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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Tricuspid Regurgitation

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Tricuspid regurgitation occurs when the tricuspid valve within the heart fails to close tightly. This causes blood to flow backward.

What is going on in the body?

There are four chambers in the heart, two on the left side and two on the right. The tricuspid valve separates the upper and lower chambers on the right side of the heart. Failure of this valve to close properly may lead to circulation problems and damage to the heart over time.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

This condition has many causes, including:

congenital heart disease, in which the infant is born with an defective tricuspid valve

congestive heart failure

a heart attack

pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood through the lungs

rheumatic fever, a condition that may occur as a complication of strep throat

infection of the heart valves, called endocarditis. A person who uses intravenous drugs, such as heroin, is at a high risk for this cause of tricuspid valve damage.

old age. Tricuspid regurgitation due to aging is often minimal and usually causes no harm.

trauma to the heart, such as from a stab wound to the chest

a tumor called a carcinoid tumor

Other causes are also possible.

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