A thin flap of tissues called cusps or leaflets makes up the tricuspid valve. The valves open up to let the blood flow from the upper right chamber to the lower right chamber. It then closes to prevent any kind of backflow. Thus, it can be said that the tricuspid valve is located between the junction of your heart’s two right chambers.
What Is A Tricuspid Valve?
The tricuspid valve is one of the four valves present in your heart. As mentioned earlier, it helps with the blood flow in the correct direction and is located between the right auricle and the right ventricle of your heart. It is also known as the right atrioventricular valve.
What Are Its Functions?
As we know, the heart pumps blood in a specific route through all four chambers. As the heart pumps, the valves open or close to let the blood move from one area of your heart to the other. The primary function of the valves is to ensure that the blood flows at the right time in the right direction.
Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation
A heart valve disease known as tricuspid valve regurgitation can occur when the valve present between the two right chambers of your heart does not close properly. As a result, the blood leaks backwards to the upper right chamber. This issue can be present in a patient by birth or it might be acquired due to another health condition. If someone has mild symptoms of regurgitation, that might not be a cause of concern and also it will not require treatment. However, if you witness some symptoms of the issue, then contact your doctor immediately.
What Are The Symptoms?
The regurgitation of the valve usually does not have any symptoms until the case is severe. However, one might discover that they have these conditions when tests are done for other reasons. The symptoms would include:
- Irregular rhythms of the heart or arrhythmias
- Frequent fatigue
- Pulsing in the neck region
- If you notice that you are having shortness of breath while doing any activity
- If there are swellings in your belly area or the veins of your legs, neck, etc.
Conclusion:
Make sure to book an appointment with your healthcare provider if you are feeling fatigued or having shortness of breath even while doing simple activities. If you have a serious condition, your doctor might refer you to a heart specialist. Any type of heart issue can become serious if they are not addressed on time. Thus, it is important to be careful and act as needed. If you have a history of heart issues or your family is prone to heart problems, make it a habit to go for regular heart checkups.