If there is noticed failure of one or probably more of 3 valve leaflets, then Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation is said to take place. Medical literature is said to refer tricuspid regurgitation as tricuspid insufficiency and tricuspid incompetence. However, it is commonly referred to as leaky heart valve.
Is treatment required?
Fortunately, no treatment is required for majority of the regurgitating tricuspid valves. They are not noticed to progress into acute symptomatic stages. People suffering from this particular valvular disorder are said to live without actually knowing about this malfunctioning tricuspid valve. Price of heart valve replacement on India is much less than other countries, thus prompting patients from all over the world to visit here for further treatments.
Its cause
Usually, Tricuspid regurgitation is caused due to heart disorders which enlarge right ventricle. With the enlarging of the right ventricle, the tricuspid valve is said to stretch, thus causing regurgitation. Pacemaker as well as defibrillator lead extraction might less frequently cause complications like severe regurgitation in the tricuspid valve. Leads could become entangled within the valve leaflets or probably with time, adhere to any of the leaflets.
As the leads are extracted, damage can be severe to the valve, thus requiring open heart surgery for repairing the damage that has been caused. At times, the valve can be severely damaged, such that it is noticed to be beyond repair. In such cases, there will be required valve replacement surgery.
Symptoms
At times, the valve damage might go unnoticed, until severe symptoms are found. Most often, such patients are said to experience neck pulsations and at times, depending upon regurgitation severity, large bulbous regions could be noticed within the neck veins.
The other symptoms could be quick weakness progression to a point, where the patient may find it difficult to even stand erect. He/she may face fluid retention within the legs, stomach and lower extremities; suffer from breathlessness, atrial fibrillation, fainting or flutter and congestive heart failure.
Remedy
Those experiencing any such symptom, should immediately consult the best physician in the region to get proper and timely treatment. With Heart valve replacement surgery cost decreasing, the patients can get respite and become normal again. The physician during the visit will consider the patients’ medical history, listen to the heart using a stethoscope. If significant valve leakage is found, then there could be heard a murmur. Then, the patient is referred to a qualified cardiologist, specializing in heart diseases and disorders. This physician would conduct several tests, so as to determine the severity of the issue faced by the patient.
ECG or echocardiogram (heart echo) is regarded to be an important test to diagnose heart valve regurgitation. However, electrocardiogram (EKG) and chest x-ray could be conducted to check the signs of leaking valves. If noticed, then echocardiography is performed for conforming diagnosis. The other type of tests conducted is cardiac MRI, cardiac catheterization and stress testing. It is through these tests that the cardiologist will help develop the right treatment plan suited to the patient.
