Tricuspid atresia

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors Complications Preparing for your appointment

Tests and diagnosis Treatments and drugs Lifestyle and home remedies Coping and support Prevention

Definition

Tricuspid atresia is a heart defect present at birth (congenital) in which one of the valves (tricuspid valve) between two of the heart's chambers isn't formed. Instead, there's solid tissue between the chambers.

If your baby is born with tricuspid atresia, blood cannot flow through the heart and into the lungs to pick up oxygen as it normally would. The result is the lungs can't supply the rest of your baby's body with the oxygen it needs. Babies with tricuspid atresia tire easily, are often short of breath and have blue-tinged skin.

Surgery and medications are treatment options for tricuspid atresia. With advances over the last several decades, the outlook for babies with tricuspid atresia is better than in the past.

NEXT:

Symptoms