Tricuspid regurgitation

Definition

Blood that flows between different chambers of your heart must pass through a heart valve. These valves open up enough so that blood can flow through. They then close, keeping blood from flowing backward.

The tricuspid valve separates the right lower heart chamber (the right ventricle) from the right upper heart chamber (right atrium).

Tricuspid regurgitation is a disorder in which this valve does not close tight enough. This problem causes blood to flow backward into the right atrium when the right ventricle contracts.

Alternative Names

Tricuspid insufficiency; Heart valve - tricuspid regurgitation; Valvular disease - tricuspid regurgitation

Causes

An increase in size of the right ventricle is the most common cause of this condition. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs where it picks up oxygen. Any condition that puts extra strain on this chamber can cause it to enlarge. Examples include:

  • Abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) which can come from a lung problem (such as COPD, or a clot that has traveled to the lungs)
  • Other heart problem such as poor squeezing of the left side of the heart
  • Problem with the opening or closing of another one of the heart valves

Tricuspid regurgitation may also be caused or worsened by infections, such as:

  • Rheumatic fever
  • Infection of the tricuspid heart valve, which causes damage to the valve

Less common causes of tricuspid regurgitation include:

  • A type of heart defect present at birth called Ebstein anomaly.
  • Carcinoid tumors, which release a hormone that damages the valve.
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Radiation therapy.
  • Past use of a diet pill called "Fen-Phen" (phentermine and fenfluramine) or dexfenfluramine. The drug was removed from the market in 1997.

Symptoms

Mild tricuspid regurgitation may not cause any symptoms. Symptoms of heart failure may occur, and can include:

Exams and Tests

The health care provider may find abnormalities when gently pressing with the hand (palpating) on your chest. The provider may also feel a pulse over your liver. The physical exam may show liver and spleen swelling.

Listening to the heart with a stethoscope may reveal a murmur or other abnormal sounds. There may be signs of fluid buildup in the abdomen.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram may show enlargement of the right side of the heart. Doppler echocardiography or right-sided cardiac catheterization may be used to measure blood pressure inside the heart and lungs.

Other tests, such as CT scan or MRI of the chest (heart), may reveal enlargement of the right side of the heart and other changes.

Treatment

Treatment may not be needed if there are few or no symptoms. You may need to go to the hospital to diagnose and treat severe symptoms.

Swelling and other symptoms of heart failure may be managed with medicines that help remove fluids from the body (diuretics).

Some people may be able to have surgery to repair or replace the tricuspid valve. Surgery is most often done as part of another procedure. Catheter-based procedures for tricuspid valve disease are in development.

Treatment of certain conditions may correct this disorder. These include:

  • High blood pressure in the lung arteries
  • Swelling of the right ventricle

Outlook (Prognosis)

Surgical valve repair or replacement most often provides a cure in people who need an intervention.

The outlook is poor for people who have symptomatic, severe tricuspid regurgitation that cannot be corrected.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation.

Prevention

People with abnormal or damaged heart valves are at risk for an infection called endocarditis. Anything that causes bacteria to get into your bloodstream may lead to this infection. Steps to avoid this problem include:

  • Avoid unclean injections.
  • Treat strep infections promptly to prevent rheumatic fever.
  • Always tell your health care provider and dentist if you have a history of heart valve disease or congenital heart disease before treatment. Some people may need to take antibiotics before having a procedure. 

Prompt treatment of disorders that can cause valve or other heart diseases reduces your risk for tricuspid regurgitation.

References

Carabello BA, Kodali S. Valvular heart disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 60.

Otto CM, Nishimura RA, Bonow RO, et al. 2020 ACC/AHA guideline for the management of patients with valvular heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2021;143(5):e35-e71. PMID: 33332149 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/.

Pellikka PA, Nkomo VT. Tricuspid, pulmonic, and multivalvular disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 77.

Rosengart TK, Aberle CM, Ryan C. Acquired heart disease: valvular. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 61.

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Review Date: 2/27/2024
Reviewed By: Thomas S. Metkus, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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