The tricuspid valve (one of the heart's four valves) separates one of the heart's two upper (atria) and lower (ventricles) chambers and regulates blood flow in the right direction between the right atrium and right ventricle. As the atria fill, the tricuspid valve opens to allow blood to flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. As the ventricles contract, the tricuspid valve shuts tightly to prevent blood from flowing back into the right atrium. With each heartbeat, the atria fill with blood from the body and lungs, and the ventricles contract to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.

When this valve malfunctions, it affects blood flow and forces the heart to work harder. Tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement are procedures that treat diseases affecting the tricuspid valve.

Sometimes there are not any significant symptoms in this but at times one may experience pulsations in the neck, abdominal or chest pain, shortness of breath with activity, fatigue, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Tricuspid valve disease treatment depends on the severity of your condition.