Q Hello Doctor, My father and my family have found Tricuspid Valve Disease after a treatment. I just want to know the basic reason of this disease, what all precaution is required, to my father. Kindly suggest me. Thanks, Avinash
Hello Avinash, the tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium (top chamber) and right ventricle (bottom chamber) of heart. Tricuspid valve disease refers to abnormal function of the tricuspid valve. The disease may include 1) Tricuspid regurgitation 2) Tricuspid stenosis. Tricuspid valve disease can be caused by 1) Infection, such as rheumatic fever or infective endocarditis 2) A dilated right ventricle 3) Increased pressure through the tricuspid valve (seen with pulmonary hypertension). The other causes include congenital defects, trauma, carcinoid heart disease, tumor, tricuspid valve prolapse, systemic lupus. Tell your doctors and dentist you have valve disease. You may need to carry a card with this information. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection (sore throat, general body achenes, and fever). As such symptoms may cause endocarditis which is infection causing damage to the heart valves. Take good care of your teeth and gums to prevent infections. See your dentist for regular visits. Take antibiotics with doctors consultation before you undergo any procedure that may cause bleeding 1) any dental work (even a basic teeth cleaning) 2) invasive tests 3) most major or minor surgery. Regular follow ups to your cardiologist are necessary.