1st timer ! peak gradient of 66mm

[Justathought1]

Letter received from Cardiologist saying that:-

" I had a repeat echocardiogram which shows worsening of the aortic stenosis with a peak gradient of 66mm\Hg although the valve area comes out at 1.2cm.

The Physiologists commented that the symptoms are getting worse .

Can anyone explain what;- "a peak gradient of 66mm/Hg although the valve area comes out at 1.2cm" means.?

Sorry for my ignorance but would be happy if anyone can enlighten me a little !

thanks !! Glen

[Ageingfast]

Dear justathought1

I had aortic stenosis. I had yearly scans but I didn’t think much about it. Seven years on, wHen the stenosis became critical, I had the valve replaced. Are you sure you want to know the details ? The cardio team will keep an eye open for you and, when critical, they will book you in for replacement.

Waiting for the op was far the worst part of the whole. So maybe you might want to enjoy your time before you reach the critical stage.

Just a thought

Best wishes

[Justathought1 in reply to Ageingfast]

Thanks for very sensible advise,

I had a triple bypass several years ago -

Don't know if I could face another op.!!

[Cliff_G]

Hi. 66 mm Hg ("millimetres of mercury") is a pressure loss (or drop) through the valve. It's commonly expressed as the pressure equivalent to the height of a column of mercury, which has the chemical symbol Hg. Same as the old blood pressure measurements done by doctors. The valve area of 1.2 cm comment suggests that whilst the pressure loss is high there is still a reasonable flow area available. An area should be expressed as sq cm (or cm2).

A quick search suggests that a pressure loss of 66 mm Hg would be associated with a valve area of less than 1.0 cm2. 'Severe' aortic stenosis expressed as a pressure drop of greater then 40 mm Hg, but the 1.2 cm2 size corresponds to 'moderate' aortic stenosis.

With this info, your next conversation with them may be more understandable. HTH

[Justathought1 in reply to Cliff_G]

That's brilliant, it clarifies the situation greatly. Much appreciated. Thanks,Glen