Tricuspid valve regurgitation often has no symptoms, and it’s commonly diagnosed while imaging studies are being done for other conditions. However, if your healthcare provider believes you have tricuspid valve regurgitation, they may perform a physical exam and cardiovascular imaging studies.
Your doctor may conduct a physical exam to begin diagnosing a suspected case of tricuspid valve regurgitation. During this exam, the doctor may press their hand on your chest to feel for palpitations. They may also notice pulsation of your liver, as well as swelling of your liver or your spleen. In addition, your doctor will listen to your heart using a stethoscope. Unusual sounds, such as a murmur, are clues that your ventricle may not be functioning correctly.
After your physical exam, your doctor may further investigate by ordering an echocardiogram (ECG or echo). This type of test records activity of the heart using high-frequency sound waves, or ultrasound. A technologist called a sonographer conducts this test by applying gel to your chest that makes it easier for sound waves to reach your heart. The sonographer will then move a transducer across your chest to send sound waves to your heart. The echo created by those waves is translated into images of your heart as it beats.
Your doctor may gather more information by ordering additional imaging tests to see if the right side of your heart is enlarged or if other changes are present.
These imaging tests include:
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): A TEE is an alternative way to perform an echocardiogram. In this type of echo, a flexible tube is inserted down your throat into the esophagus. This angle can provide a more detailed picture of your heart and blood vessels around it.
Computed tomography (CT) scan: This type of imaging uses X-ray technology to gather cross-sectional pictures of your body’s internal structures. These images can be put together to create 3D illustrations. During the test, you will lie on a table that slides into a machine shaped like a ring. This ring takes several pictures as it rotates around your body.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This type of imaging captures highly detailed images of the muscles, organs, soft tissues and other structures inside of your body. MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create these images. During this test, you will lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner. You will hear loud noises as the machine gathers pictures.
