What does it mean when young people have mild tricuspid regurgitation, and what should they do?

Generally, mild tricuspid valve regurgitation in young people may be caused by factors such as age-related growth and development, changes in cardiac load, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, or rheumatic heart disease. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo general or pharmacological treatments under a physician's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Age and Growth Development

Hormonal fluctuations and the rapid development of the skeleton, muscles, and heart in young individuals may temporarily affect the valve's closing function, resulting in mild regurgitation. Regular echocardiographic examinations are recommended to monitor tricuspid valve regurgitation. In most cases, no specific treatment is required, and follow-up observation is sufficient.

2. Changes in Cardiac Load

High-intensity physical activity or emotional fluctuations may increase cardiac load, causing transient valvular regurgitation. Prolonged high-intensity exercise should be avoided, and emotional regulation techniques should be learned to reduce cardiac strain.

3. Cardiomyopathy

High-risk factors for cardiomyopathy include a family history of cardiomyopathy and unhealthy lifestyle habits. When the myocardium itself is affected—for example, by myocardial fibrosis, ventricular dilation, or myocardial hypertrophy—these pathological changes can alter intracardiac pressure, impair valve closure, and cause regurgitation, potentially leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and edema. Patients may be advised by a specialist physician to use medications such as metoprolol succinate sustained-release tablets, bisoprolol fumarate tablets, or amiodarone hydrochloride tablets for treatment.

4. Congenital Heart Disease

During embryonic development, the heart's structure and function may be affected by maternal bacterial or viral infections, radiation exposure, or environmental factors, leading to incomplete closure or absence of the tricuspid valve. This congenital factor is one of the main causes of mild tricuspid regurgitation and may be accompanied by symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as digoxin tablets, furosemide tablets, or spironolactone tablets for treatment.

5. Rheumatic Heart Disease

Streptococcal infection can damage heart valves, subsequently causing tricuspid valve disease and insufficiency. If a young person does not receive timely or complete treatment after streptococcal infection, rheumatic heart disease may develop, potentially accompanied by symptoms such as fever and joint pain. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as roxithromycin dispersible tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or cefuroxime axetil tablets for treatment.

It is recommended to reduce or avoid consuming spicy, greasy, or other irritating foods, as these may increase the burden on the heart and be detrimental to disease management.