Walters gets her heart in check

After years of the television grind, Barbara Walters is taking some time off for her health.

she will undergo surgery to replace a faulty heart valve.

on how you can protect your heart's health, recognize symptoms and learn about treatments.

Walters added that she and her doctors decided to go through with the surgery now because she'll be able to take time off to recover during the summer. While she hasn't "felt differently" lately, a test showed that her valves were getting tighter and smaller.

Walters said she anticipates recovery will take at least a month but she expects "to be calling in from time to time."