What is tricuspid valve regurgitation?
The role of the tricuspid valve is to open rapidly to allow venous (deoxygenated, or oxygen-poor) blood to move from the right atrium into the right ventricle. When the right ventricle squeezes to send blood to the lungs, the tricuspid valve should close completely to prevent backflow away from the lungs. A small amount of tricuspid regurgitation is normal for many people. If the three leaflets of the tricuspid valve do not come together properly, some patients develop significant regurgitation. Patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation often note excess water retention in their arms and legs and they may complain of abdominal bloating and fatigue (tiredness).
