What Is the Tricuspid Valve?
The tricuspid valve is positioned between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It functions as a one-way gateway, allowing blood to pass from the atrium to the ventricle while preventing backflow. When the right atrium contracts, the valve opens, facilitating blood flow into the right ventricle. As the right ventricle contracts to push blood into the pulmonary artery, the tricuspid valve shuts to prevent any leakage back into the atrium. When this function is compromised, it can result in tricuspid regurgitation.
What Is Tricuspid Regurgitation?
Tricuspid regurgitation occurs when the tricuspid valve fails to close completely, allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium when the right ventricle contracts. This backflow can strain the heart and lead to symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and irregular heart rhythms. Tricuspid regurgitation can vary in severity, with mild cases often going unnoticed while more significant cases require medical intervention.
Causes of Tricuspid Regurgitation
The causes of tricuspid regurgitation generally fall into two categories: structural damage to the valve itself or secondary causes resulting from an underlying heart condition.
Structural Causes
Damage to the tricuspid valve can be caused by various diseases and conditions, including:
Rheumatic heart disease – A complication of untreated strep throat infections that can damage heart valves.
Infectious endocarditis – A bacterial infection that affects the heart’s inner lining and valves.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack) – Can impact the right ventricle, affecting the tricuspid valve’s function.
Myxomatous degeneration – A condition similar to mitral valve prolapse that weakens the valve.
Pacemaker or implantable defibrillator injury – Devices implanted in the heart may interfere with valve function.
Marfan syndrome – A genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, including heart valves.
Carcinoid syndrome – A rare condition in which cancerous tumors produce substances that affect heart valves.
Congenital heart disease – Birth defects can impact valve structure and function.
Functional Causes
More commonly, tricuspid regurgitation occurs due to secondary conditions that cause the heart to enlarge, preventing the valve from closing properly. These conditions include:
Pulmonary artery hypertension – Increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries can cause right heart enlargement.
Heart failure – When the heart is unable to pump efficiently, it can lead to valve dysfunction.
Mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation – Disorders affecting the mitral valve can indirectly impact the tricuspid valve.
Pulmonary embolism – A blockage in the pulmonary artery can strain the right heart chambers.
Hyperthyroidism – Excess thyroid hormone can lead to heart enlargement and valve dysfunction.
Symptoms of Tricuspid Regurgitation
Many individuals with mild tricuspid regurgitation experience no symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
Fatigue and weakness
Swelling in the legs, feet, and abdomen
Shortness of breath
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Pulsations in the neck veins
Decreased exercise tolerance
Diagnosis of Tricuspid Regurgitation
To diagnose tricuspid regurgitation, a cardiologist will perform a thorough evaluation, including:
Physical examination – Checking for abnormal heart sounds and swelling.
Echocardiogram – An ultrasound of the heart that visualizes valve function.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Identifies irregular heart rhythms.
Chest X-ray – Determines if heart enlargement is present.
MRI or CT scan – Provides detailed imaging of heart structures.
Disease Management and Treatment
Treatment for tricuspid regurgitation depends on its severity and underlying cause. Management strategies include:
Medications – Diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, medications to control heart rate and drugs for managing underlying conditions like pulmonary hypertension.
Lifestyle changes – Reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Surgical intervention – In severe cases, valve repair or replacement may be necessary.
Minimally invasive procedures – Advances in medical technology allow for less invasive treatments, such as transcatheter tricuspid valve repair.

Medical Disclaimer:
The contents of this article, such as text, graphics, images, and other material, are intended for informational and educational purposes only and not to render medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.