Rheumatoid Arthritis Support

Although congenital causes of tricuspid insufficiency exist, most cases are due to dilation of the right ventricle. Such dilation leads to derangement of the normal anatomy and mechanics of the tricuspid valve and the muscles governing its proper function. The result is incompetence of the tricuspid valve. Common causes of right ventricular dilation include left heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular infarction. One notable exception to right ventricular dilation as a cause of tricuspid insufficiency occurs in right-sided endocarditis (i.e. infection affecting the right side of the heart). In that case, there is direct damage to the tricuspid valve as a result of infection.

Other diseases can directly affect the tricuspid valve. The most common of these is rheumatic fever, which is a complication of untreated strep throat infections.

Tricuspid regurgitation occurs in roughly less than 1% of people and is usually asymptomatic. It may be found in those with a type of congenital heart disease called Ebstein's anomaly.

Other infrequent causes of tricuspid regurgitation include:

*Carcinoid tumors, which release a hormone which damages the valve

*Connective tissue diseases such as Marfan syndrome

*Injury

*Rheumatoid arthritis

*Radiation therapy

Another important risk factor for tricuspid regurgitation is use of the diet medications called "Fen-Phen" (phentermine and fenfluramine) or dexfenfluramine


Adapted from the Wikipedia article Tricuspid insufficiency, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki