Kolmoiskäyrien

Kolmoiskäyrien, also known as tricuspid valve regurgitation, is a medical condition where the tricuspid valve in the heart does not close properly. This allows blood to leak backward from the right ventricle into the right atrium during ventricular contraction. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

Several factors can contribute to kolmoiskäyrien, including rheumatic heart disease, enlargement of the right ventricle, and damage to the valve from conditions like endocarditis or trauma. It can also be a consequence of pulmonary hypertension, which increases pressure in the pulmonary artery and can strain the right ventricle and tricuspid valve.

The severity of kolmoiskäyrien can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, more significant regurgitation can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and abdomen (edema), and a rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations). The backward flow of blood can cause the right atrium and ventricle to enlarge, and eventually, the right ventricle may struggle to pump blood effectively to the lungs.

Diagnosis of kolmoiskäyrien typically involves a physical examination, listening for a heart murmur, and often an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to visualize the heart's structure and function. Other tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or cardiac MRI may also be used. Treatment depends on the severity and the underlying cause, and can range from medication to manage symptoms and fluid buildup to surgical repair or replacement of the tricuspid valve in more severe cases.