What is Tricuspid Valve Stenosis?
Tricuspid valve stenosis is the narrowing of the tricuspid valve opening. The stenosis restricts the blood flow between the right atrium and the right ventricle (upper and lower part of right side of the heart).
Causes of Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
The most common cause of tricuspid valve stenosis is rheumatic heart disease. Other rare causes of tricuspid valve stenosis are congenital malformations, endocarditis or metastatic tumors.
Symptoms of Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
- cold skin
- discomfort in abdominal area
- fatigue
- fluttering discomfort in the neck
Diagnosing Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
Your physician may order one or more of the following tests to confirm you have tricuspid valve stenosis:
- electrocardiogram or ECG
- chest x-ray
- echocardiogram or transthoracic echocardiogram
- cardiac catheterization
Treatment Options for Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
Treatment options for tricuspid valve stenosis depend on the severity of the disease and may include:
- Medical therapy and medical surveillance may be recommended for mild to moderate tricuspid valve stenosis.
- Surgical tricuspid valve repair or replacement, including minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques or open-heart surgery options. For this procedure your surgeon will discuss with you the pros and cons of a mechanical or tissue valve.
- Catheter based treatment options may be considered on a case-by-case basis for patients who are not candidates for surgery.