What is aortic restriction with gradient approaching 50 mmHg?

[Sussexflyer]

After an echocardiogram a letter was sent to my GP, copy to me, in which it says my metal aortic valve (now 14 years old) shows aortic restriction with gradient approaching 50 mmHg. Can anyone advise me whether this is mild, moderate or severe stenosis please? Thank you for your help.

[Ashleigh_BHF]

Hi Sussexflyer

This is related to the pressure gradient around your valve, which your team will monitor closely. You will need to discuss this with your cardiologist to get an idea of how severe it is, and one of the most important things is for your doctor to monitor the trend in gradients from your previous echos. The gradient around each valve is different and will be dependent on the size of valve they fitted.

Unfortunately no one on the forum will be able to advise you, as this is what your cardiologist will do-take the results of investigations and interpret them into what that means for you. Your GP won't be able to answer this question either. There will usually be a plan at the end of the report-saying they will see you in clinic in the next few months or when you are due another echo.

If you are seeing your cardiologist in clinic then you can ask them then, or if you aren't due to see them soon you can contact their secretary and ask if you can leave a message.

Take care,

Ashleigh

[Sussexflyer in reply to Ashleigh_BHF]

Many thanks for your reply Ashleigh.