Diagnosis: Tricuspid Regurgitation. Next Steps

Valvular heart disease is a common problem seen by primary care providers (PCPs). Transcatheter techniques used in the treatment of valvular heart disease have evolved lowering the risk of intervention. This allows for safer valve repair or replacement. Successful transcatheter valvular intervention is truly incredible. These lower-risk procedures are changing who and when to refer patients, as intervention may be safer than the risk of waiting. This issue is most critical in isolated chronic tricuspid regurgitation, as these patients were often felt to be too high risk for tricuspid surgical intervention. Now there exist multiple transcatheter interventions that can benefit patients with tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular failure. Many of these procedures are still undergoing study and yet, it appears clear that patients receive benefit from intervention. In addition, many patients with chronic tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular failure are no longer seen by cardiology. It is imperative that PCPs are aware of which patients could potentially benefit from tricuspid valve intervention for tricuspid regurgitation for optimal referral and treatment.