A person with tricuspid insufficiency has a leaky tricuspid valve in the heart.

An open tricuspid valve allows blood to flow from the right atrium, into the right ventricle. The tricuspid valve closes to prevent the backflow of blood from the right ventricle, into the right atrium.

Tricuspid insufficiency results when the tricuspid valve does not completely close, due to scarring, thickening, or malformation of the valve. The leaking valve places stress on the heart.