Can tricuspid regurgitation heal on its own?

The likelihood of natural recovery from tricuspid regurgitation is generally relatively low, mainly because the prognosis largely depends on the severity of the regurgitation and its underlying causes.

Tricuspid regurgitation refers to the inability of the heart's tricuspid valve to close completely during cardiac contraction, resulting in blood flowing backward from the right ventricle into the right atrium. This condition can be caused by structural abnormalities of the heart or may result from cardiac disease or impaired myocardial function.

1. Mild tricuspid regurgitation: If there are no significant symptoms and cardiac function remains normal, patients may not require immediate treatment. In such cases, lifestyle improvements, such as effective management of hypertension and diabetes, smoking cessation, alcohol restriction, and regular exercise, can help delay further progression of the condition to some extent. However, this does not mean the regurgitation will heal completely on its own; rather, it helps maintain a relatively stable condition.

2. Moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation: Treatment is usually necessary. If the regurgitation significantly impairs cardiac function—for example, causing symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or edema—or if it is accompanied by conditions such as cardiac enlargement or arrhythmias, medication or even surgical treatment may be required. Medications can help alleviate symptoms and effectively control heart rate and blood pressure, while surgery is an effective method for addressing structural issues.