What does mild tricuspid regurgitation mean?

Mild tricuspid regurgitation means that a small amount of blood is found to be flowing backward in the tricuspid valve area during examination. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Mild tricuspid regurgitation is a typical finding on echocardiography. The tricuspid valve, located within the human heart, primarily connects the right atrium and the right ventricle, ensuring that blood flows only from the right atrium into the right ventricle. During ventricular contraction, the valve closes promptly to prevent blood from flowing back into the right atrium. When an echocardiogram reveals a small amount of backward blood flow in the tricuspid valve area, it is diagnosed as mild tricuspid regurgitation. This condition is mostly caused by physiological factors rather than disease, and generally does not require specific treatment if there are no special symptoms. Regular follow-up with echocardiograms at the hospital is sufficient.

If tricuspid regurgitation progresses to moderate or severe levels with significant backflow, it may be caused by conditions such as rheumatic diseases, left heart system disorders, or respiratory diseases. In such cases, patients should seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Until a diagnosis is confirmed, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise to prevent worsening of the condition.