The tricuspid valve ensures blood flows in the correct direction to the ventricle, but can be a source of disease. Symptoms of tricuspid valve disease include irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and heart failure. Diagnosis includes EKG, chest X-ray, and echocardiogram. Treatment can include medication or surgery.
The tricuspid valve is one of the valves of the heart, located in the upper chamber. The function of the tricuspid valve is to ensure that blood flows in the correct direction to the ventricle. Sometimes, the tricuspid valve can be a source of abnormality or disease. Tricuspid valve disease usually produces symptoms, but long passages of time can occur when the patient is asymptomatic.
Typically, tricuspid valve disease causes an irregular heartbeat. This abnormal rhythm is referred to as atrial fibrillation. This condition generally produces symptoms that include fatigue and a fluttering sensation in the upper chest and neck area. Sometimes, if the disease is severe, the patient may have symptoms of heart failure. Usually, symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and right quadrant abdominal pain.
Sometimes, tricuspid valve conditions can be caused by infections, such as infective endocarditis or rheumatic fever. Rare causes of tricuspid valve disease include birth defects, heart trauma, and cancer. Often, if tricuspid valve disease is the result of rheumatic fever, aortic or mitral valve disease may also be present.
Typically, the diagnosis of tricuspid valve disease includes an EKG test and chest X-ray. Additionally, an echocardiogram may also be ordered. An echocardiogram employs the use of sound waves to generate images of the heart, valves, and surrounding structures. This diagnostic medical test allows the cardiologist to evaluate the effectiveness of the heart valves by monitoring how they open and close.
Frequently, an abnormal tricuspid valve can also be noticed during a routine physical exam. Sometimes during a routine doctor visit, your doctor may hear a heart murmur. This condition refers to the abnormal flow of blood through the heart valves. Also, the doctor may detect an irregular or rapid pulse and an abnormal pulse in the jugular vein. While these symptoms may not be related to valve disease, further testing to rule out other sources of disease may be indicated.
Occasionally, valvular disease may warrant the need for a tricuspid valve replacement. Usually, though, the tricuspid valve can be repaired using a technique called ring annuloplasty, which replaces the damaged valve area with a ring, usually made of plastic. In less severe cases, this condition can be managed with medication. Generally, the drugs used in the medical management of this disease include drugs to manage heart failure and drugs to control an irregular heartbeat. In addition to medications, your doctor will typically monitor your disease with regular follow-up appointments.
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