Tricuspid Valve Stenosis

The tricuspid valve, or right atrioventricular valve, is located between the right atrium (top chamber) and the right ventricle (bottom chamber) of the heart. It functions is to prevent blood from flowing back into the right atrium. Tricuspid valve stenosis occurs when the valves leaflets are too stiff and do not open wide enough, restricting blood flow.

Tricuspid valve stenosis is a rare condition and is most often caused by rheumatic fever and typically is combined with mitral valve or aortic valve disease.

The diagnosis of tricuspid valve stenosis usually occurs during a physical examination with the discovery of a heart murmur. Additional testing is usually performed after the discovery of a heart murmur.

Treatment of tricuspid valve stenosis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases require monitoring with regular medical checkups while other cases may need to be treated a surgical intervention.