Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

honeypot link

Tricuspid Stenosis

By

Guy P. Armstrong

, MD, Waitemata District Health Board and Waitemata Cardiology, Auckland

Reviewed/Revised Nov 2023
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Topic Resources

Tricuspid stenosis is a narrowing of the tricuspid valve opening that slows blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.

The tricuspid valve is in the opening between the right atrium and the right ventricle. The tricuspid valve opens to allow blood from the right atrium to fill the right ventricle and closes to prevent blood from flowing backwards into the right atrium as the right ventricle contracts to pump blood into the lungs. If a disorder causes the valve flaps to become thick and stiff, the valve opening is narrowed (stenosis). Often, the stiffened valve also fails to close completely and tricuspid regurgitation Tricuspid Regurgitation Tricuspid regurgitation is leakage of blood backward through the tricuspid valve each time the right ventricle contracts. Tricuspid regurgitation is caused by disorders that enlarge the right... read more develops.

Over many years, the right atrium enlarges because blood flow through the narrowed valve opening is partially blocked, increasing the volume of blood in the atrium. In turn, this increased volume causes an increase in pressure in the veins bringing blood back to the heart from the body (except the lungs). However, the right ventricle shrinks, because the amount of blood entering it from the right atrium is reduced.

Symptoms are usually mild. They include palpitations (awareness of heartbeats), a fluttering discomfort in the neck, cold skin, and fatigue. Abdominal discomfort may result if the increased pressure in the veins causes the liver to enlarge.

Valvular Stenosis
VIDEO

Diagnosis of Tricuspid Stenosis

  • Echocardiography

Through a stethoscope, doctors may hear the characteristic murmur of tricuspid stenosis. A chest x-ray shows that the right atrium is enlarged.

Treatment of Tricuspid Stenosis

  • Drugs, such as diuretics

  • In rare cases, surgical repair or replacement

People are encouraged to eat a low-salt diet and are given diuretics and drugs to block the effects of aldosterone (which help decrease pressure in the veins).

Surgical repair is usually avoided because tricuspid stenosis is rarely severe enough to require it and stenosis often recurs after the repair.

More Information

The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP