- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Stomach swelling (ascites)
- Weight gain
- Jugular vein distension
Understanding tricuspid regurgitation
If you or a loved one has symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), please know that you’re not alone and you do have options when it comes to treatment.
What is Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR)?
Your heart has four chambers and four valves that open and close to keep blood flowing in the right direction.1 The tricuspid valve separates the upper and lower chambers on the right side of your heart. When your tricuspid valve is working properly, it helps you stay healthy and active.2
Tricuspid regurgitation happens when the tricuspid valve in your heart doesn't close properly. This causes blood to flow backward instead of forward, making it hard for your heart to pump enough blood to your body. It can make you feel tired and shortness of breath, and if it's not treated, it could lead to other complications like heart failure.1
Over 1.5 million people in the United States
are estimated to have moderate or greater TR3, 4, 5
Symptoms and signs of severe tricuspid regurgitation may include:
- Stomach pain
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Swollen ankles and feet (lower limb edema)
Severe TR symptoms often lead to a substantial decrease in your quality of life. Activities like taking walks or just moving from room to room can become extremely challenging and limit your independence. Signs and symptoms of severe TR may be mistaken as normal consequences of aging, which can delay treatment.7, 8, 9
What causes tricuspid regurgitation?
The most common cause of tricuspid regurgitation is the enlargement of the right ventricle. The right ventricle normally pumps blood to the lungs where it picks up oxygen. Conditions that put extra strain on the right ventricle can cause it to enlarge.6 This results in a misshapen tricuspid valve that does not close properly and causes blood to flow back into the right atrium instead of being pumped forward into the lungs.
Most common causes:8
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Cardiomyopathy
TR can also develop due to:7
- Infection, such as infective endocarditis or rheumatic fever
- Congenital heart disease, such as Ebstein anomaly
- Carcinoid syndrome
- Endomyocardial biopsy
- Chest trauma
- Radiation therapy
- Injury caused during the placement or removal of implantable device
What happens if your TR is left untreated?
If you have severe tricuspid regurgitation that isn't getting better with medication, the outlook may not be good without additional care.7 Waiting to get help can make your symptoms worse, limit what you can do every day, and increase the risk of heart failure or even death. If you or someone you care about has ongoing symptoms, talk to your cardiologist about tricuspid regurgitation and check out the treatment options available now.
What are your treatment options?
In the past, treatment options for symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation were limited to oral medication and heart surgery. However, a minimally invasive treatment is available. This option for treating tricuspid regurgitation can improve quality of life and offer faster recovery than traditional surgery with lasting relief.10
We’re here for you
Whether you’re looking to learn more about your condition, explore treatment options, or speak with someone who understands, we’re here to help. Our resources provide the information and support you need to make the best decisions for your health. You don’t have to face this alone—reach out today.
When your tricuspid regurgitation advances, it can be serious. Stay informed and take action.
Contact Edwards' Patient Support Center now for more information about tricuspid regurgitation and the procedure.
Phone: 949-250-2012
Toll free: 888-713-1564