Tricuspid Valve Disease

The tricuspid valve is one of four valves or “doorways” in the heart that ensure blood flows in a forward direction. When the tricuspid valve flaps do not close completely, blood can flow backward. This is called tricuspid regurgitation (or tricuspid valve regurgitation). It is a common complication of other heart problems like heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiomyopathy, but it can also be caused by infection, trauma, medications, and more.

Less commonly, the tricuspid valve flaps can become stiff and narrow. This is called tricuspid stenosis (or tricuspid valve stenosis).

Tricuspid atresia is a congenital heart defect in which the tricuspid valve does not develop normally. It is usually treated in infancy.

In addition to administering a physical examination and discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may order the following tests.

Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart and is the gold standard for diagnosing tricuspid valve regurgitation. A probe is moved over the surface of your chest, and sound waves capture moving images of your heart.

Transesophogeal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Similar to a standard echocardiogram, this test uses sound waves to create even more-detailed, 3D images of your heart. Instead of the probe moving over your chest, a tube-like probe is passed down your throat and into your esophagus while you are under anesthesia or sedation.

Cardiac Catheterization
A thin, long, hollow tube is inserted into a large blood vessel and guided through your circulatory system to your heart. A heart catheterization helps measure pressures in the heart, which are often high when tricuspid valve regurgitation is present.

Cardiac MRI
Radio waves, magnets, and a computer create still and moving images of your overall heart structure, blood flow, and surrounding structures.

Other Tests
These additional tests can help determine the severity of your tricuspid valve disease and related conditions like liver dysfunction or exercise intolerance. 

• Blood tests: measure substances in your blood.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): records your heart’s electrical impulses and rhythms through small electrodes placed on your skin.
• Stress test: evaluates your heart’s electrical function while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike.

Observation
Many people with tricuspid valve disease have minor or no symptoms. In this case, you may not need treatment. You should see your cardiologist regularly to monitor your valve health.

Medication
Medications can help treat contributing conditions, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications of tricuspid valve disease. For example, doctors often prescribe diuretic medicines to help decrease fluid retention caused by tricuspid valve regurgitation.

Access to Related Specialists
Many people with tricuspid valve disease have other heart conditions like heart failure. Duke heart specialists work closely with experts in heart failure, cardiomyopathy, heart surgery, electrophysiology, and pulmonology, all of whom specialize in treating complex heart valve disease. This means you benefit from a team of knowledgeable doctors who consider your heart health from every angle.

Top-Tier Imaging Capabilities
High-quality cardiac imaging methods help your doctors assess disease severity, increase surgical accuracy, determine the best timing for a valve procedure, and deliver thorough follow-up care.

Highly Experienced Heart Surgeons
If you need tricuspid valve surgery, Duke’s heart surgeons offer the least invasive approaches possible to speed your recovery. With decades of experience among them, our surgeons routinely perform heart valve disease procedures with excellent outcomes.