What are the cardiac risks of tricuspid regurgitation?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 51 years old and have hypertension. I am scheduled for elective liposuction surgery with general anesthesia and have been preoperatively evaluated. All my tests are normal, including PT, INR, CBC, CMP, chest X-ray, and EKG. My echocardiogram is within normal limits, with an ejection fraction (EF) of 56 percent. However, I was found to have mild tricuspid regurgitation. I am asymptomatic and do not experience chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, edema, wheezing, or fever. Given my mild tricuspid regurgitation, do you think I can safely undergo liposuction surgery with general anesthesia?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, you may proceed with the surgery. There is no additional cardiac risk associated with mild tricuspid regurgitation, provided that the echocardiogram report does not indicate pulmonary artery hypertension. Mild tricuspid regurgitation alone will not increase the risk beyond the usual cardiac risk if there is no pulmonary artery hypertension. Please check the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) on the echocardiogram report; if it is less than 35 mmHg, you may proceed. If it is higher, please upload the echocardiogram report, and I will review it.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.