Tricuspid Valve Abnormalities

Normal Heart Function

The heart consists of four chambers, two upper filling chambers (atria) and two lower pumping chambers (ventricles). Between each atrium and ventricle, there is a valve that stops blood from flowing backwards.

The function of the heart is to pump blood around the body. Blood enters the right atrium from the body through the tricuspid valve and into the right ventricle. From here it is pumped up the pulmonary artery to the lungs to pick up oxygen.

Oxygen-rich blood comes back to the heart through the pulmonary veins into the left atrium, where it flows through the mitral valve and into the left ventricle. This pumps the blood into the aorta and from there it circulates around the body.

In the presence of tricuspid valve abnormalities, this puts a strain on the normal function of the heart and ultimately reduces the distribution of oxygen around the body.

Types of Tricuspid Valve Abnormalities

The heart is like a jigsaw, it requires essential components of the atria, ventricles and valves to fit together in order to function as a whole. If one piece is missing, much like the jigsaw is not complete, the heart will not be able to work efficiently. The types of tricuspid valve abnormalities include:

1. Tricuspid valve regurgitation

In this condition, the tricuspid valve does not close properly and blood flows back into the right atrium.

2. Tricuspid valve stenosis

In this condition the tricuspid valve is narrowed, decreasing the amount of blood that can flow through from the right atrium into the right ventricle.

3. Tricuspid atresia

Tricuspid atresia is a congenital condition which means it is present at birth. In this condition, the tricuspid valve is not formed and a solid sheet of tissue blocks the blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.

4. Ebstein’s anomaly

This is another congenital heart defect in which a malformed tricuspid valve sits lower than normal in the right ventricle. This can cause the blood to flow back into the right atrium (tricuspid valve regurgitation).

Diagnosis

The following tests can be carried out to identify a tricuspid valve abnormality:

• Chest X-ray to determine if you have an enlarged heart

• An echocardiogram to monitor any heart defects through ultrasonic waves

• An electrocardiogram (ECG) uses sensors (electrodes) to assess heartbeat regularity

• Holter monitor (essentially a portable ECG) to be worn for one to two days

• Cardiac catheterisation is a less common technique to assess blood flow through the heart and vessels

Treatment options

The type of treatment depends on the tricuspid valve abnormality, the following may be considered:

• Monitoring through physical examinations

• Medication to control heart rate and rhythm

• Surgery may be required to either repair or replace the tricuspid valve