Mild tricuspid valve regurgitation isn’t usually a cause for alarm, especially if you don’t have anatomical issues. About 80% of the population has mild asymptomatic tricuspid regurgitation that does not require any treatment.

Doctors categorize tricuspid valve regurgitation into stages depending on a few factors:

  • your symptoms
  • the anatomy of your valve
  • the severity of the regurgitation

Mild tricuspid valve regurgitation is generally categorized as stage A or at risk of tricuspid regurgitation. Doctors may monitor it over time if you have it.

While people with mild regurgitation usually do not need treatment, people with moderate to severe tricuspid (stage B to stage D) valve regurgitation require treatment. If not treated, their condition may worsen and become more serious.

People with stage A or mild tricuspid regurgitation generally do not require treatment.

Depending on the anatomy of your valve and the severity of your regurgitation, doctors may recommend medications to reduce symptoms and support your heart function. Treatment may include:

Doctors may recommend lifestyle measures to support your heart health, such as:

For people with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation or other heart conditions, like pulmonary hypertension or right-sided heart failure, doctors may recommend surgical treatment. This can involve surgical valve repair or replacement. But, if your condition is mild and you don’t have any other contributing heart conditions, you likely won’t need surgery.

Mild tricuspid regurgitation generally does not affect your life expectancy.

Mild tricuspid regurgitation on its own isn’t associated with worse health outcomes, though a doctor may continue to monitor the condition throughout your life. If it gets worse, you may need treatment.

Learn more about tricuspid valve regurgitation and when it requires treatment.