Flow velocity and gradient readings

[canon4me]

Just curious, what are these measurements normally and what would a surgical candidate be?

Mine is 5.0 m/sec. And a maximal gradient of 100 mm/Hg

 

[epstns]

The pressure gradient is the difference in blood pressure before and after a valve. If all was perfect (and nobody is that perfect), there would be no pressure gradient. The higher the number, the worse the valve is said to be (it is more restrictive). IIRC, a peak gradient would but that valve way up in severe (or maybe even critical) territory. I think peak numbers in the 40-50 range are considered moderate to severe. I don't remember the exact numbers, but you could probably google aortic valve pressure gradient to find the criteria.

The velocity, in meters per second, is a measure of how "fast" the blood exits the valve. If a valve is large and unrestricted, the velocity will be relatively low. Think of a moderate stream of water coming out of a large pipe or hose. Now think of the same amount of water being forced through a smaller (stenotic) valve. Just like when you put your finger over the opening of the garden hose, the water goes much faster. This is another measure of how badly restricted a valve is.

There are probably posts on here that go into much more detail, but I think I've given you the basics. If you search for echo criteria of stenotic aortic valves, you will probably find the specific classification of your specific measurements.

 

[Guyswell]

I agree with Steve that your numbers seem high. Of course your cardiologist is the best person to put things in perspective for you. Here are some of my numbers from last year for comparison...

In April, my mean pressure gradient across the aortic valve was 60 mmHg (don't know what the peak gradient was) and I was having shortness of breath and chest pain with exertion.
In late June, just prior to surgery, my peak gradient was 134 mmHg, the mean gradient was 77 mmHg, velocity through the valve was 3.57 m/sec. and I was experiencing syptoms just walking around the hospital.
In early July, right after surgery, my peak gradient was 20 mmHg, the mean gradient was 8 mmHg, velocity through the valve was 1.3 m/sec. and my new mechanical valve was ticking away.