Tricuspid Disease Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

In many cases, there are no symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may be alerted to tricuspid valve disease by the following:

• Heart murmur
• Irregular pulse or heartbeat
• Abnormal pulse in the jugular vein of the neck
• Swelling in the legs

Tests may include:

• Chest x-ray —a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the chest
• Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)—a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
• Echocardiogram —a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart
• Cardiac catheterization —an x-ray of the heart's circulation that is done after injection of a contrast dye