The heart has four valves that work together to keep blood moving in the right direction. One of them is the tricuspid valve, which sits on the right side of the heart. If this valve doesn’t work the way it should, you may be diagnosed with tricuspid valve disease.

Although less talked about than other valve conditions, tricuspid valve disease can still have a big impact on heart health. Understanding what this condition is, how it develops and what symptoms to watch for can help you get the proper diagnosis and treatment so you can stay healthier.

How the Tricuspid Valve Works

The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle. Its job is to open and allow blood to move forward, then close tightly so blood doesn’t flow backward. Each heartbeat depends on this smooth opening and closing motion. When the valve becomes damaged or weakened, it may not open fully or close properly. This can disrupt blood flow and force the heart to work harder than it should.

Understanding Tricuspid Valve Disease

There are two main types of tricuspid valve disease:

• Tricuspid valve regurgitation – This occurs when the valve doesn’t close tightly and blood leaks backward into the right atrium. This is the most common form of the condition.
• Tricuspid valve stenosis – This is when the valve opening becomes narrow, making it harder for blood to move through the heart.

You may have this condition starting at birth or it can develop later in life. Common causes include:

• Conditions that enlarge or weaken the right side of the heart
• Lung diseases that increase pressure in the heart
• Infections that damage heart valves
• Other heart valve problems that affect blood flow

In many cases, the valve becomes stretched or weakened because of strain on the heart.

Common Symptoms of Tricuspid Valve Disease

Symptoms often develop slowly and may be easy to miss at first. As the condition progresses, you may notice:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles or abdomen
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
• Shortness of breath during activity
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the belly
• Irregular heartbeats

Because these symptoms can overlap with other health issues, tricuspid valve disease is sometimes diagnosed later than other valve problems.

How Tricuspid Valve Disease is Diagnosed and Treated

Doctors use a combination of physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose tricuspid valve disease. A heart murmur may be heard, which can lead to further testing. Imaging tests can show how the valve is working and whether blood is flowing backward or becoming blocked.

Treatment depends on how severe the valve problem is and whether you have symptoms. Mild cases may only need regular checkups and treatment for related conditions, such as heart or lung disease. More advanced cases may require medications to reduce fluid buildup and swelling, treatment for heart rhythm problems and/or procedures to repair or replace the valve.

With early diagnosis and proper care, many people are able to manage the condition and stay active, but tricuspid valve disease can worsen over time if it’s not monitored. Staying on top of symptoms, attending follow-up visits and following a heart-healthy lifestyle helps to protect heart function.

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