Which valve is commonly affected by infections caused by IV drug use?

Infections caused by intravenous (IV) drug use frequently lead to infective endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, often involving the heart valves. The tricuspid valve is most commonly affected in these cases because it is located on the right side of the heart, which is directly involved in receiving venous blood that may carry pathogens from non-sterile substances injected during drug use.

When drugs are injected, the non-sterile materials can introduce bacteria or fungi into the bloodstream, which can settle on the tricuspid valve. This valve is particularly susceptible because it may experience more turbulence and shear stress from rapid blood flow from IV drug use, compared to the more stable environment that might prevail in the left heart.

In contrast, the aortic and mitral valves, which are situated on the left side of the heart, are more commonly affected in patients with underlying conditions such as rheumatic fever or degenerative heart disease. The pulmonary valve is even less commonly affected by infective endocarditis than the aortic and mitral valves, as it primarily deals with blood flow to the lungs rather than being directly involved with systemic infections that arise from drug use.

Thus, the tricuspid valve is recognized