Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation

Overview

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and order tests as needed to diagnose this condition.

During a physical exam, your provider will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and breathing. A heart murmur is sometimes detectable during an exam. Your provider may also feel your neck and belly (near your liver). Feeling a strong pulse in either place is a sign of tricuspid regurgitation.

What tests diagnose this condition?

Healthcare providers typically use echocardiography to diagnose tricuspid regurgitation. This test can also identify any valve abnormalities that would indicate the primary form of the condition. Rarely, if an echocardiogram doesn’t provide enough information, providers order a cardiac catheterization.

Other tests your provider may order to find the cause of regurgitation or learn its effects on your body include:

Blood tests.
Chest X-ray.
Electrocardiogram (EKG).
Cardiac MRI.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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