What Does Tricuspid Insufficiency Mean?
It is a heart disease characterized by backflow of blood as a result of inadequate functioning of the heart valve between the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart. tricuspid regurgitationIt is a condition that requires early intervention by experienced doctors. Otherwise, it obstructs the passage of blood flow.
Under normal circumstances, the tricuspid valve acts as a valve separating the right atrium from the right ventricle. Blood from the right atrium of the heart flows into the right ventricle as the valve opens. When the valve closes, it prevents blood from flowing back. However, when it functions inadequately, the valve does not close completely and some of the blood leaks back. This condition causes increased pressure as a result of blood leaking back into the right atrium of the heart. As a result, it causes enlargement and weakening of the right side of the heart.
Causes of Mild Tricuspid Insufficiency
Causes of occurrence include heart valve disease, congenital heart anomalies, infections, rheumatic diseases, heart failure and heart attack. Because this disease usually does not cause symptoms, its symptoms can go unnoticed for a long time. However, when symptoms appear, symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, edema, liver enlargement and heart palpitations may be observed.
tricuspid regurgitation These are conditions that are diagnosed at a mild level, usually do not cause symptoms and do not require treatment. However, these conditions can progress over time and cause serious heart problems. Here are the reasons:
- Heart disease: It is associated with the patient's cardiovascular health problems. Heart diseases such as weakening of the heart muscle, hardening or thickening of the heart valves, narrowing or widening of the heart vessels may cause the valve to malfunction.
- Congenital abnormalities: Congenital heart defects may also be among the triggering factors. The tricuspid valve may be inadequate due to a defect in the normal development of the heart at birth.
- Rheumatic heart disease: It is an infectious disease that causes heart valve disease. Heart valves, including the tricuspid valve, can be damaged by rheumatic fever.
- Endocarditis: A condition that causes infection of the heart valves. Said infection can cause the heart valves to malfunction.
- High blood pressure: Long-term high blood pressure can cause the heart muscle to weaken.
- Other factors: In some cases, the cause of symptoms may not be clearly known. But other factors, such as certain medications, trauma, or radiation, can also cause tricuspid valve disease.
Tricuspid Insufficiency Symptoms
tricuspid regurgitation Diagnosis is usually made using physical examination and various imaging tests. Treatment options include medication, heart valve repair or replacement surgery, and other heart disease treatments. It usually occurs as the disease progresses. Some symptoms can be explained as follows.
People with heart valve disease may experience shortness of breath. It may be more noticeable, especially when exercising or lying down. Patients may get tired quickly while doing daily activities. This may be caused by an inability to pump blood adequately due to increased pressure on the right side of the heart.
Tends to develop edema in the legs, feet or abdomen. It may be caused by increased pressure on the right side of the heart. tricuspid regurgitation In this case, liver enlargement may occur. This may be caused by increased pressure on the right side of the heart.
Individuals with heart valve disease may experience heart palpitations. It may be caused by increased pressure on the right side of the heart. Among complaints, they may experience low blood oxygen levels. It may be caused by the blood not being sufficiently oxygenated.
Additionally, bluish discoloration of the lips, nails and skin may be observed. This condition may be caused by low blood oxygen levels.
The symptoms mentioned above appear only when the disease progresses. However, when the above-mentioned symptoms occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor and be examined by a cardiologist. Symptoms of tricuspid valve disease may vary depending on the severity of the disease, the patient's age and general health condition.
How is Tricuspid Insufficiency Treated?
In summary, tricuspid regurgitationIt is the backflow of blood as a result of inadequate functioning of the heart valve between the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart. This disease can occur for many different reasons, such as heart valve disease, infections, congenital heart anomalies and rheumatic diseases.
Mild tricuspid valve disease is usually asymptomatic and does not require treatment, but should be monitored regularly. However, if the symptoms or severity of the disease progresses, certain treatment options may be applied.
Medication may be used to treat certain symptoms, such as lowering the heart rate, dilating blood vessels, or preventing blood clots.
When the disease becomes severe, the valve may be repaired or replaced. Valve repair involves reshaping or restructuring the valve. In case of valve replacement, a suitable artificial valve can be placed for the patient.
It is performed with a catheter suitable for cardiovascular health and is used to open a hole in the heart valve. This procedure may be used if the valve regurgitation is mild but does not have adequate patency. When tricuspid valve disease affects the overall health of the heart and other treatments have failed, a heart transplant may be necessary.
tricuspid regurgitation Treatment varies depending on the cause and symptoms of the disease. The treatment option is usually determined by a cardiologist. Follow up regularly, adopt a healthy lifestyle and follow your doctor's recommendations. It may slow the progression of your disease and help control symptoms.