trikuspidregurgitasjon

Trikuspidregurgitasjon is a condition where the tricuspid valve in the heart does not close properly. This valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. When the tricuspid valve leaks, blood flows backward from the right ventricle into the right atrium during ventricular contraction. This backward flow is known as regurgitation.

The tricuspid valve has three leaflets, and in tricuspid regurgitation, one or more of these leaflets may not seal completely. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including damage to the valve leaflets themselves, dilation of the heart's chambers, or problems with the structures that support the valve. Common causes include rheumatic heart disease, endocarditis, congenital heart defects, and pulmonary hypertension.

In many cases, mild tricuspid regurgitation may not cause any symptoms and can be considered a normal finding. However, when the regurgitation is moderate to severe, it can lead to an increase in pressure within the right atrium and the veins returning blood to the heart. Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the abdomen and legs (edema), and a fluttering sensation in the chest.

Diagnosis of tricuspid regurgitation is typically made using echocardiography, which uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart and assess valve function. Other tests, such as a cardiac MRI or a cardiac catheterization, may also be used. Treatment depends on the severity of the regurgitation and the presence of symptoms. Mild cases may not require specific treatment, while more severe cases might necessitate medications to manage symptoms or, in some instances, surgical repair or replacement of the tricuspid valve.