What Are The Causes And Risk Factors Of Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation?

Tricuspid valve regurgitation is a heart disorder where blood flows backward into the right atrium from the right ventricle. This backflow occurs because the tricuspid valve between the right atrium and ventricle does not close tight enough. The regurgitation occurs as the left ventricle contracts to pump blood to the lungs. Healthy valves in the heart open up just enough for blood to flow through them, and then they quickly close tightly so blood doesn't move backward. A mild case of tricuspid valve regurgitation may not manifest with any symptoms, but moderate to severe cases can manifest with symptoms of fatigue, swelling, weakness, neck vein pulsing, and reduced urine output. Diagnosis is made using a Doppler echocardiogram and or cardiac catheterization. The severity of a patient's tricuspid valve regurgitation and the underlying cause of the disorder will determine the method used to treat it.