|
|
Tricuspid Regurgitation
Alternate Names : Tricuspid Insufficiency
Definition
Tricuspid regurgitation is a disorder involving backwards flow of blood across the tricuspid valve which separates the right ventricle (lower heart chamber) from the right atrium (upper heart chamber).
This occurs during contraction of the right ventricle and is caused by damage to the tricuspid heart valve or enlargement of the right ventricle.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The most common cause of tricuspid regurgitation is not damage to the valve itself, but enlargement of the right ventricle, which may be a complication of any disorder that causes failure of the right ventricle.
Other diseases can directly affect the tricuspid valve. The most common of these is rheumatic fever, which is a complication of untreated strep throat infections. The valve fails to close properly, and blood can flow back to the right atrium from the right ventricle, and from there back into the veins. This reduces the flow of blood forward into the lungs. The condition affects about 4 out of 100,000 people.
Another important risk factor for tricuspid regurgitation is use of the diet medications called "Phen- fen" (phentermine and fenfluramine) or dexfenfluramine.
Rarely tricuspid regurgitation can be caused by an unusual tumor called carcinoid. This tumor secretes a hormone which damages the valve.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Ascites
• Cirrhosis
• Endocarditis
• Heart Disease
• Heart Failure
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
• Rheumatic Fever
Tests & Exams
• Cardiac Catheterization
• ECG
• Echocardiogram
Surgery & Procedures
• Heart Valve Surgery
Other Topics
• Abdomen - Swollen
• Appetite - Decreased
• Asymptomatic
• Fatigue
• Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling
• Invasive
• Palpation
• Urine Output - Decreased
• Weakness
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
Review Date : 6/4/2002
Reviewed By : Seth Keller, M.D., Division of Cardiology, Yale New Haven Medical Center, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
