Tricuspid Valve Disease

Diagnosis

To diagnose tricuspid valve disease, a healthcare professional examines you and listens to your heart and lungs. The condition may be detected during tests performed for other reasons. Some types of tricuspid valve disease are harder to diagnose and may require evaluation by a cardiologist.

Tests used to diagnose tricuspid valve disease may include:

• Chest X-ray – Shows the size and condition of the heart and lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – Records the heart’s electrical activity and identifies irregular rhythms.
• Echocardiogram – Uses sound waves to create images of the heart and show blood flow through the valves. This can reveal thickened or abnormal tricuspid valves.
• Right-sided heart catheterization – Measures pressure and blood flow in the right side of the heart using a flexible catheter inserted through a blood vessel.
• Heart MRI (cardiac MRI) – Provides detailed images of the heart when an echocardiogram is insufficient.

Staging
Once tricuspid valve disease is confirmed, the condition may be staged to guide treatment:

• Stage A: At risk – Risk factors are present but no valve disease yet.
• Stage B: Progressive – Mild or moderate valve disease without symptoms.
• Stage C: Asymptomatic severe – Severe valve disease but no symptoms.
• Stage D: Symptomatic severe – Severe valve disease with noticeable symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the tricuspid valve disease. Options include regular monitoring, medications, and surgery.

Medications
Medicines may be used to:

• Treat the underlying cause of tricuspid valve disease
• Manage complications, such as heart failure, with diuretics
• Treat infections with antibiotics
• Support lung conditions with oxygen therapy

Surgeries or procedures
If the valve disease is severe, surgery may be needed:

• Balloon valvotomy – A catheter with a balloon widens the valve opening, improving blood flow.
• Tricuspid valve repair – Preserves the patient’s valve, usually via open-heart surgery, minimally invasive techniques, or catheter-based procedures with a clip.
• Tricuspid valve replacement – Damaged valves are replaced with biological (cow, pig, or human tissue) or rarely mechanical valves. Catheter-based valve replacement may be an option for failing tissue valves.

Additional procedures may be needed if tricuspid valve disease is related to a congenital heart condition or other heart problems.

Working closely with your healthcare team ensures the best treatment approach, tailored to your symptoms, disease stage, and overall health.