Tricuspid regurgation and Pulmonary Hypertension

[chopperchickie]

I received a copy of my echocardiogram and the summary states moderate to sever tricuspid regurgation and mild pulmonary hypertension.  What is that or should I be concerned?

[kenkeith]

The M-mode measurement for right ventricle is 0.9 - 4.0 cm according to my reference and your 3.5 falls into the expected range.  Some labs have different metrics?!  However, it would be expected to have a larger with valve regurgiation.

Your 50%EF is somewhat low and with the statistical margin of error (its an estimate)could be insufficient to meet your system's blood/oxygen demand causing SOB and fatigue.

Pitted edema is caused by either systemic diseases, that is, diseases that affect the various organ systems of the body, or by local conditions involving just the affected extremities. The most common systemic diseases associated with edema involve the heart, liver, and kidneys. In these diseases, edema occurs primarily because of the body's retention of too much salt (sodium chloride). The excess salt causes the body to retain water. This water then leaks into the interstitial tissue spaces, where it appears as edema.

[chopperchickie]

I forgot to mention my EF is greater than 50%

[chopperchickie]

RVDd:  3.5 cm
LVIDd:  4.5 cm
LVIDs:  2.9 cm
IVSd:  .8 cm
LVPWd:  1.1 cm
Aortic root:  2.7 cm
ACS:  2 cm
LA:  3.6 cm
LA volume:  31 ml
LVOT diam  1.9 cm
TR velocity:  302 cm/s
tr gradient 36.4816 mm/hg
Estimated RVSP  46 mm/hg

Report states right ventricle is mildly increased in size and normal function.  Trace mitral regurgitation.  There is mild pulmonic regurguitation.  There is moderate with severe tricuspid regurgitation.  There is mild pulmonary hypertension.  Tricuspid is mildly thickened.  

I asked this question because I have been to the ER 6 times over the past 6 months for severe abdominal distention and bloating, pitted edema in right leg, and sudden weight gain (72 pounds since Jan 21)  I have gained 22 pounds in three days (and put on lasix to reduce fluid) but lasix is not working.  I have extreme fatigue and short of breath when up and moving around.  I recently was diagnosed with anemia and I have absolutely no appetite over the past 10 days..  I am going to the GI at cleveland clinic but think I may to see the Cardiology dept as I am wondering if all these symptoms are related.

[kenkeith]

The tricuspid valve is a one-way valve that passes blood from the right atrium (blood from the sytem to go to the lungs to be oxygenated) into the right ventricle and then to  the lungs.  Regurgitation is a leak or damaged valve that does not close properly and blood flows back into the atrium and this reduces the normal amount of blood pumped into circulation.  

The diminished cardiac output stresses the cardio/vascular system that can eventually cause shortness of breath, possible chest pain due to ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart), fatigue, etc.  

What is your EF?  Chamber and wall dimensions?  If there is an abnormality in those categories you will need treatment sooner or later.  Yes, there should be concern!