Aortic Valve Stenosis Diagnosis Using Echocardiography

Echocardiography plays a critical role in diagnosing aortic valve stenosis. One of the primary indicators is the forward flow velocity across the aortic valve. Normally, this velocity should not exceed 2 meters per second. When the measured velocity surpasses 2 m/s, it suggests the presence of stenosis. Based on the velocity readings, aortic stenosis can be categorized into mild, moderate, and severe stages. Mild stenosis typically shows a velocity range of 2–3 m/s, moderate stenosis falls between 3–5 m/s, and severe stenosis is generally indicated when the velocity exceeds 5 m/s.

Assessing Severity Through Valve Area and Pressure Gradient

In addition to flow velocity, the severity of aortic valve stenosis can be evaluated by measuring the valve area and the pressure gradient across the valve. A mean pressure gradient greater than 50 mmHg or a valve area less than 0.8 cm² is considered indicative of severe stenosis. These measurements help clinicians determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Recommended Treatment Options for Severe Aortic Stenosis

When severe stenosis is confirmed, intervention is often necessary. Common treatment strategies include surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), sometimes referred to as the CoreValve procedure. These interventions aim to restore normal blood flow and reduce the risk of complications such as heart failure or sudden cardiac death. Echocardiographic evaluation remains essential both for initial diagnosis and for guiding long-term management decisions.