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What is tricuspid valve regurgitation?

It is when some blood leaks backward through the tricuspid valve each time the right ventricle contracts.

What happens during tricuspid valve regurgitation?

When the right ventricle contracts to pump blood to the lungs, some blood leaks backward into the right atrium. This increases the amount of blood in the atrium and can cause it to enlarge. Over time, these changes may affect pressure in nearby heart chambers and blood vessels.

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What causes tricuspid valve regurgitation?

It most often happens when the right ventricle becomes enlarged.

Other conditions may also cause it, with some including:

• Infective endocarditis (a valve infection)
• Marfan syndrome and other connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rheumatic fever (now rare in the U.S.)
• Injury
• Carcinoid tumors
• Myxomatous degeneration (weakness of the valve tissue)

What are the symptoms of tricuspid valve regurgitation?

It may not cause symptoms, especially in mild cases. When symptoms happen, they are often vague, such as weakness and fatigue.

Symptoms develop because blood backs up on the right side of the heart and in the veins. This can lead to swelling in the abdomen or an enlarged liver.

Other symptoms may include:

• Visible pulsing in the neck veins
• Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
• Decreased urine output

How is tricuspid valve regurgitation treated?

Treatment may not be needed depending on the severity of the valve disease. 

When possible, the underlying condition, such as pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary stenosis or lung disease, should be treated. Medications may help manage symptoms such as swelling.

Surgery to repair or replace the valve may be recommended in more severe cases. Without treatment, severe tricuspid regurgitation can lead to serious complications from the valve problem or its underlying cause.