Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
Quick Facts
- Tricuspid valve stenosis is when the tricuspid valve becomes too narrow. This slows blood flow between the right upper and lower chambers of the heart.
- Over time, the right upper chamber can get bigger because blood has trouble moving through the valve.
What is tricuspid valve stenosis?
Tricuspid valve stenosis is when the opening of the tricuspid valve becomes too narrow. This limits the blood flow from the right upper chamber (atrium) to the right lower chamber (ventricle) of the heart.
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How can tricuspid valve stenosis affect the heart?
Over time, the right atrium may get larger because blood has trouble moving through the narrowed valve. This can change pressure and blood flow in the nearby heart chambers and veins.
Less blood may reach the right ventricle, which can reduce how much blood flows to the lungs to pick up oxygen.
What causes tricuspid valve stenosis?
Most cases of tricuspid valve stenosis are caused by rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is now rare in the U.S.
Less often, it may be caused by infective endocarditis, birth defects, tumors of the heart or chest radiation for cancer treatment.
What are the symptoms and treatment options for tricuspid valve stenosis?
Symptoms are often mild. They may include:
- Feeling your heartbeat (may include palpitations)
- A fluttering feeling in the neck
- Swelling (edema) in the legs
- Cold skin
- Fatigue
Treatment depends on how severe the condition is.
- Care may include medication to help manage symptoms and regular echocardiograms to check how the valve is working.
- If the condition becomes severe, treatment may include procedures to repair or replace the valve.
