4 heart valves act as one-way doors making sure that the blood flows in the correct direction through the heart.   Heart valve problems occur when a valve does not work the way it should. This could be because a valve: • does not open all the way (stenosis) so that less blood can go through or • does not close tightly (regurgitation), enabling tha blood to leak backward.   Problems with one or more valves may mean that the heart has to work harder to get blood out to the body.   If you have heart valve trouble, you may experience: • shortness of breath • palpitations • weakness or dizziness • quick weight gain • leg swelling • chest discomfort   Defective heart valves can be the result of: • congenital heart defect • damage to the heart from rheumatic fever or bacterial infection • changes in the valve structures due to aging   Treatments for defective heart valves include • Medicines • Surgery to repair the heart valve or replace it. Whether a valve is to be repaired or replaced can only be decided once surgery has begun. The heart surgeon will discuss these possibilities before the operation. Some factors to consider are your age, and how well your heart is working.  TESTS FOR VALVULAR HEART DISEASE • Electrocardiography (EKG) provides a record of electrical changes in the heart muscle during the heartbeat. • Echocardiography shows if there are any abnormalities of the heart valves. • Cardiac catheterization is used to measure pressure in the heart and the amount of blood pumped by the heart. INFORMATION: National Heart Centre Singapore The above information is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice. Consult your Family Doctor or a Specialist if you have any concerns about your health.