Tricuspid Valve Disease
The tricuspid valve controls the direction of blood flow entering the heart from the body. It is situated on the right side of the heart and it can become narrowed (stenosis) or start to leak (regurgitation).
It can be caused by high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) or an enlarged right heart. There are also rare conditions from birth (congenital) which can cause problems with the tricuspid valve. The condition may remain symptom free until it becomes severe.
Some of the symptoms for Tricuspid Valve disease may include: fatigue, a reducing tolerance to exercise, palpitations, increased shortness of breath on effort, swelling in the abdomen and legs.
After a thorough clinical assessment your doctor is likely to arrange an ECG and an echocardiogram. In some cases a CT scan of the lungs and a heart MRI may be needed. Occasionally, invasive assessment may be required with a right heart catheterization.
Treatment depends on the severity of the problem and will include medication to control the underlying cause or tricuspid valve repair or replacement.
We believe the best cardiac care can only be achieved by the best cardiologists in their fields, working together, for you and your heart. Our consultants are able to offer appointments throughout the week and at weekends.