Tricuspid valve disease is a type of heart valve disease, also called valvular heart disease. The valve between the two right heart chambers, called the right atrium and the right ventricle, doesn't work as it should. The heart must work harder to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.
Tricuspid valve disease often happens with other heart valve diseases.
There are different types of tricuspid valve disease. Symptoms and treatment depend on the specific valve condition. Treatment may include regular health checkups, medicines, or a procedure or surgery to fix or replace the valve.
Types
There are several types of tricuspid valve disease, including:
- Tricuspid valve regurgitation. The tricuspid valve doesn't close properly. Blood leaks backward into the upper right heart chamber.
- Tricuspid valve stenosis. The valve is narrowed. It's harder for blood to move between the right heart chambers.
- Tricuspid atresia. This condition is present at birth. That means it's a congenital heart condition, also called a congenital heart defect. The tricuspid valve isn't formed. A solid sheet of tissue blocks the blood flow between the right heart chambers.
- Ebstein anomaly. This is a rare heart condition present at birth. The tricuspid valve is in the wrong position and the valve's flaps are not formed correctly. Blood might leak backward through the valve.