The heart is the only organ in the human body that works continuously without rest, so knowing when it is in trouble is important, according to health experts.

Gail Pratt, of Stamford, was experiencing shortness of breath and fluid in her legs. Despite working in healthcare as a nursing assistant for more than four decades, she minimized her symptoms.

It wasn't until she visited her primary care physician and had an electrocardiogram that she learned there was a leaky valve in her heart.

"I was afraid. I was fearful," Pratt said.

She was hesitant to do any surgery on her heart. However, faced with no other options, Gail decided to do the procedure, unaware that she wouldn't need open heart surgery at all.

"It's done without a scalpel, through an IV in the leg. The patient is under anesthesia for the procedure, but you put the IV up from the leg and replace the valve completely," said Dr. David Lorenz, president and CEO of Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County.

The FDA approved the valve in the last 12 months. It was previously in clinical trials in the U.S.

Pratt said she is now able to walk better, breathe properly and play with her grandchildren.