Prevalence of tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation diagnosed by Doppler in apparently healthy women. Possible influence on their physical performance?

Ninety-five apparently healthy, non-athletic women aged 24-65 (mean 44) years were screened by Doppler echocardiography for the presence of tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation (TR and PR). An Irex Meridian system was used. TR was diagnosed in the presence of a pansystolic regurgitant jet into the right atrium with a maximal velocity of greater than 1.5 m s-1. Regurgitant flow throughout diastole was diagnostic for PR. Right-sided regurgitation was found in 43 women (Group 1), 22 with TR, 12 with PR, and nine with combined TR and PR. The remaining 52 women were studied as a control group (Group 2). Group 1 had a significantly larger heart size on X-ray (P less than 0.025) and left ventricular end systolic diameter assessed from M-mode echocardiography (P less than 0.05) than did Group 2. The possible clinical significance of the valvular regurgitation was assessed by using a standardized symptom-limited exercise test on an ergometer bicycle. In Group 1, the mean cumulative work achieved was 7008 (+/- 1630) kpm, and in Group 2 6363 (+/- 1633) kpm (P less than 0.05). TR and PR occurring in otherwise healthy women does not seem to impair physical exercise performance.