Under normal circumstances, the tricuspid valve enables blood to flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle. With tricuspid atresia, the valve fails to form and instead the area contains a band of solid tissue. This can result in serious health effects, and doctors usually recommend a combination of medication and surgery to remedy the issue.
It’s not fully clear what causes tricuspid atresia and other congenital defects. However, there are some risk factors before and during pregnancy that can increase the chances of developing the condition, including:
Family history also plays a role, as a baby with family members who’ve also experienced congenital heart defects are more likely to develop tricuspid atresia.
Symptoms linked to tricuspid atresia will usually be present immediately following birth:
Complications may still occur even with treatment during infancy. For instance, some people may develop irregular heartbeats or find that they get tired easily when partaking in physical activities. Other conditions like heart failure or liver and kidney disease can also occur.
When a baby is diagnosed with tricuspid atresia, surgery is necessary to ensure proper blood flow. Additionally, most infants need numerous surgeries to avoid worsening health effects and complications. A procedure known as shunting helps blood flow more efficiently from the heart to the lungs. Subsequent surgeries can offer lasting health benefits, but people with tricuspid atresia require lifelong treatment to avoid heart failure.
Medication is also beneficial for treating this condition. Accordingly, doctors may prescribe medicines that reduce blood pressure and eliminate accumulating fluid. Some drugs can also boost the strength of the heart to enhance its function.