What aortic valve area measurement suggests severe aortic stenosis?

Severe aortic stenosis is diagnosed based on the aortic valve area, which is a critical measurement in assessing the severity of the condition. An aortic valve area measurement of less than 1 cm² indicates a significantly narrowed valve opening, which leads to increased pressure gradients and reduced blood flow from the heart. This measurement corresponds to severe aortic stenosis and is associated with marked symptoms such as exertional dyspnea, angina, and syncope.

In contrast, an aortic valve area between 2-3 cm² suggests mild to moderate stenosis rather than severe. A measurement between 1-2 cm² is indicative of moderate stenosis but does not reach the threshold of severe. A value greater than 4 cm² is considered normal or indicative of no aortic stenosis. Thus, the recognition of an aortic valve area less than 1 cm² is crucial for diagnosing and managing patients with severe aortic stenosis, as it necessitates more aggressive treatment strategies such as surgical intervention or transcatheter treatment.