Treating Tricuspid Valve Disease in Southern California
The tricuspid valve lies between the right atrium (upper-right chamber) and right ventricle (lower-right chamber) of the heart. It contains three small tissue flaps that regulate blood flow. Normally, the tricuspid valve allows blood to flow only from the atrium to the ventricle. However, if it becomes damaged or diseased, it can allow blood to flow backward from the ventricle to the atrium (a condition called regurgitation), or it can restrict blood flow out of the atrium due to stenosis (a narrowing or obstruction of the valve).
At Dignity Health Southern California, we have several heart care programs in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and San Bernardino that are equipped to address your cardiovascular conditions with care, kindness, and respect. To learn more about treating tricuspid valve disease in Southern California, Find a Doctor who’s right for you at Dignity Health.
Tricuspid Valve Disease Symptoms
Tricuspid valve disease may not produce symptoms in its early stages. Asymptomatic cases are often diagnosed when a doctor hears a certain abnormal sound while listening to the heart with a stethoscope.
In its more advanced stages, the symptoms of tricuspid valve disease can include:
- Swelling of the feet or legs
- Unexplained fatigue
- Reduced urine output due to retained fluid in the body
- Visible pulsing of the neck veins while you are at rest
Causes of Tricuspid Valve Disease
Several factors can cause tricuspid valve disease. Tricuspid stenosis is almost always caused by rheumatic fever, which results when strep infections are not treated promptly with antibiotics. Tricuspid regurgitation often is caused by underlying conditions that increase blood pressure in the pulmonary artery (pulmonary hypertension) or in the right side of the heart.
Learn more about heart health risks by taking our free heart health assessment today.
Treatment & Prevention Options for Tricuspid Valve Disease at Dignity Health Southern California
Treatment of tricuspid valve disease focuses on restoring heart valve function and reducing symptoms. Mild to moderate tricuspid valve disease may not require intervention. Your doctor may recommend tracking your progress with a watchful waiting approach.
In other cases, treatment of tricuspid valve disease may include:
- Valve repair surgery
- Valve replacement surgery
- Medications to address symptoms
You can prevent tricuspid stenosis by promptly treating strep infections so they do not progress to rheumatic fever. Tricuspid regurgitation is not always preventable, but you can reduce your risk of developing the condition by getting regular checkups to make sure you don’t have any underlying health concerns that may cause tricuspid valve malfunction. See your doctor at a Dignity Health Southern California hospital for complete care for your entire well-being.
Dignity Health is dedicated to providing specialized and coordinated care for patients with tricuspid valve disease in Southern California.