Tricuspid valve disease

The tricuspid valve lies between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It prevents blood from flowing back from the ventricle into the atrium. The valve may become damaged or diseased causing narrowing or enlargement of the valve. Both of these complications may prevent the valve from working properly.

The tricuspid valve may become narrowed, preventing it from opening fully. This will restrict the flow of blood into the right ventricle, which in turn restricts the flow of blood to the lungs.
 

 

Narrowing of the tricuspid valve can be caused by rheumatic fever. It is relatively uncommon when compared with stenosis of the aortic and mitral valves.