Tricuspid Valve Disease

Located between the upper and lower chambers of the right side of the heart, the tricuspid valve can either become narrower or not close fully, causing the valve to either allow blood to leak back into the atrium or not pump sufficient amounts of blood. Left unchecked, this can lead to heart failure. Tricuspid disorders can also increase the risk of endocarditis, a condition in which the tissues lining the inside of the heart and valves become infected and destroyed.

Symptoms can include (and often they are not present) a fluttering sensation in the neck or chest due to irregularities in the rhythm of your heart, pressure in the upper abdomen because of an enlarged liver, fatigue and swelling.

Surgery

In most cases, the tricuspid valve will need to be repaired or replaced where the disease has become severe. An annuloplasty ring is the preferred choice for repairing a tricuspid valve. If a valve cannot be repaired (which is the most desirable option) an artificial valve will be used instead. These can be mechanical or tissue valves. In the latter case, they are typically harvested from animals or from a human donor.

Medical Management

Prescription and over the counter medications cannot correct a tricuspid valve defect however, they can reduce the heart’s workload and help regulate the heart’s rhythm. Also, antibiotics need to be administered prior to any dental or surgical procedures to prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream, causing a serious infection known as endocarditis.

Medications prescribed to alleviate symptoms and slow the progress of tricuspid valve disease include:

ACE inhibitors: Lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s workload by widening the blood vessels.

Anticoagulants: These help prevent blood clots from forming, which is particularly important for patients who have a replacement valve made of synthetic materials.

Beta-blockers: These help control the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Calcium channel blockers: Lowering blood pressure and decreasing the workload placed on the heart, calcium channel blockers can delay surgery for a period of time.

Digitalis: Reduces the heart’s workload and alleviates some of the symptoms.

Diuretics: Reduce the sodium and fluid levels in the body so the pressure of the blood traveling through the valves is decreased. They can also help reduce swelling, which is a symptom of tricuspid valve disease.