Valves in your heart keep blood flowing in the right direction. If the valves in your heart are damaged, some of the blood that's being pumped around your heart can flow in the wrong direction. This means your heart can't pump as well as it should. To learn more, see What does my heart do?

Some infections can cause damage to heart valves.

Some people who have valve disease take medicine to help their heart work better. Other people have surgery to repair or replace their damaged valves. If you have heart valve disease, you can ask your doctor if medicine or surgery might be best for you.

To read more, see Surgery for heart failure.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.