Going into detail on what this term means and how it relates to health guidelines. This article may be incomplete.
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) occurs when the tricuspid valve, which is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart, does not close properly. This leads to the leaking of blood back into the right atrium during the heart's pumping cycle. The severity of tricuspid regurgitation is typically graded as trace (physiologic, or essentially normal), mild, moderate or severe, with severe TR causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.
Tricuspid regurgitation can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, or damage to the heart muscle. Other causes may include infectious endocarditis, rheumatic fever, or congenital heart defects. In some cases, tricuspid regurgitation may be an incidental finding and not cause significant health issues.
Diagnosis of tricuspid regurgitation is typically confirmed through a physical exam, imaging studies such as an echocardiogram, and sometimes additional tests like a cardiac MRI or a cardiac catheterization. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may range from medications to surgery to repair or replace the tricuspid valve. Management may also involve addressing underlying conditions contributing to the regurgitation. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.