Heart valves are doorways between the chambers of your heart. They open and close as blood moves through the heart. Having heart valve disease means you have a problem with one or more of these valves. The problem keeps the valve from opening or closing correctly. Valve disease may sometimes be serious, but it can be treated.

Rheumatic fever, often a childhood infection, used to be the most common cause of heart valve problems. But rheumatic fever has become rare. Today, changes due to aging are the most common causes of valve disease. Some people may be born with a problem valve or a tendency to develop problem valves.

Treatment for heart valve disease depends on which type of valve disease you have and how severe it is. Heart valve disease often needs no treatment. If treatment is needed, medication or a procedure to repair or replace the value is most often used.

Diuretics help rid the body of excess fluid. Having less fluid to pump makes the heart's job easier. Getting rid of excess water can also reduce swelling, bloating, and shortness of breath.

Digitalis helps the heart pump with more strength. This allows the heart to pump more blood with every beat. Digitalis may also keep the heartbeat regular.

ACE inhibitors make blood flow more easily by relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. This means the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump the same amount of blood.

Beta-blockers slow the heart rate, which lessens the work the heart has to do. They may also slow the heartbeat and keep it regular.

Antiarrhythmics control a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Anticoagulants prevent blood clots from forming inside the heart chamber or on a damaged heart valve.

Antibiotics help prevent infection due to bacteria that can stick to abnormal heart valves. Your doctor may have you take them before certain procedures. These include any dental work.