Is tricuspid heart valve failure dangerous? - Dr. Marvarid Dadres

• 31/06/1404
• 7 minutes

The human heart consists of four main cavities and four vital valves, which are essential for maintaining blood circulation. One of these valves is the tricuspid valve of the heart, which is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. The main function of this valve is to control the flow of blood from the right atrium to the right ventricle and prevent blood backflow during ventricular contraction. Any malfunction of this valve can lead to serious problems for a person's health. Tricuspid valve failure is a condition in which the valve does not close completely, and as a result, part of the blood returns to the right atrium during the contraction of the right ventricle. This disorder is seen in different levels from mild tricuspid valve insufficiency to more severe stages. Although in mild cases, there may not be many symptoms, but in the long term it can cause dilatation of the tricuspid valve, increased pressure in the right atrium, symptoms of heart failure and other problems.

In this article, the role of the tricuspid valve, the symptoms and methods of diagnosing its failure, related complications and risks, treatment methods including medical treatment of tricuspid valve failure and surgery, as well as the importance of modern technologies such as three-dimensional echo in diagnosing this disease

The tricuspid valve of the heart and its vital role in the function of the heart

The tricuspid valve of the heart consists of three leaflets or screens that are responsible for opening from the right atrium when the right ventricle is full and closing completely when the right ventricle contracts. This correct function causes the blood to be transferred to the lungs through the pulmonary artery for oxygenation.

If this valve is disturbed, the balance of blood flow in the right side of the heart is disrupted. The tricuspid valve, along with other heart valves, is part of the coordinated and complex system of the heart, and any problem in it can have serious consequences. Among the common problems related to this valve, two main categories can be mentioned:

• Tricuspid valve stenosis, which prevents blood from passing from the atrium to the ventricle.
• Tricuspid valve failure, which causes blood to return to the atrium.

The importance of this valve becomes more apparent when we know that even a mild insufficiency of the tricuspid valve can over time lead to an increase in the volume of returned blood and damage to other parts of the heart.

Symptoms and diagnosis methods of tricuspid valve failure

failure Tricuspid heart valve can remain asymptomatic for a long time. But with the progress of the disease, several symptoms appear that bring the patient to the doctor. Common symptoms: Constant fatigue and weakness due to reduced blood supply. Swelling in the legs and wrists due to fluid accumulation. Shortness of breath, especially during activity. Liver enlargement due to increased blood pressure and backflow. Abdominal cavity.

In some special cases, such as fetal tricuspid valve insufficiency, symptoms are detected indirectly through prenatal echocardiography. This issue shows the high importance of prenatal screening and care.

Diagnosis methods

The accurate diagnosis of this disease requires a combination of clinical examination and paraclinical methods:

• 2D and 3D echocardiography: the most accurate diagnosis method that shows blood flow and valve function. In recent years, especially, 3D echo has greatly helped in examining the shape and function of the valve.
• MRI of the heart: in cases where a more detailed examination of the returned blood volume is needed. Exercise test: To investigate the effects of heart failure on the overall function of the heart.

With the help of these tools, the severity of the disease can be classified and the best treatment method can be chosen for the patient.

The role of new technologies such as 3D echo in the diagnosis and treatment of tricuspid valve failure

Advantages of 3D echo:

• Showing the real shape of the valve and the movement of the lats.
• Possibility of checking the exact amount of blood return.
• Helping the surgeon to choose the best method of repairing or replacing the valve.

In addition to 3D echo, other Advanced imaging methods such as MRI and CT scan can also provide doctors with valuable information for treatment decisions. The use of these services provides more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment for patients.

Complications of tricuspid valve insufficiency and its impact on patients' health

If untreated, tricuspid valve insufficiency can have serious consequences on the patient's health. These complications occur especially in the moderate to severe stages of the disease.

The most important complications are:

• Right heart failure: it is one of the most serious consequences that causes severe fatigue, swelling of the organs and enlargement of the liver.
• Disruption in the heart rhythm: especially atrial fibrillation, which is the most common arrhythmia in these patients.
• Dilation of the tricuspid valve. Heart: due to the continuous pressure of the back blood, the valve and the right atrium gradually expand.
• Damage to other organs: including the liver and kidneys, which are under pressure due to blood congestion.

In fact, even a mild insufficiency of the tricuspid valve, if not followed up and treated, can lead to these serious complications in the long term. For this reason, timely diagnosis and treatment are very important.

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