Secondary Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Hidden Culprit in Heart Failure

Tricuspid regurgitation (sTR) is common in heart failure (HF) and has a significant impact on mortality and hospitalization rates. This population-based study of 13,469 patients with HF and sTR over a 10-year period found that severe sTR was present in 11% of patients, most common among those with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Mortality was higher among patients with sTR compared to expected survival rates of the matched community, and was independent of HF subtype. Moderate and severe sTR were rarely treated despite the availability of state-of-the-art facilities and universal healthcare. The authors suggest that with the projected increase in HF prevalence and population aging, this data highlights a major burden for healthcare systems that needs to be addressed with low-risk transcatheter treatment options.