What is the classification for severe aortic stenosis based on valve area?

Severe aortic stenosis is classified based on the size of the aortic valve area, which indicates the severity of the obstruction to blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. When the valve area is less than 1.0 cm², this signifies a significant reduction in the space through which blood can flow, leading to increased pressure and workload on the heart. Patients with severe aortic stenosis often exhibit clinical symptoms such as exertional dyspnea, angina, and syncope due to this critical level of obstruction.

In comparison, a valve area between 1.5 cm² to 2.0 cm² is typically classified as mild to moderate stenosis, while an area from 1.0 cm² to 1.5 cm² represents moderate stenosis. A valve area greater than 2.0 cm² is considered normal or only mildly stenotic and does not usually warrant concern for significant clinical problems related to aortic stenosis. Therefore, identifying less than 1.0 cm² as severe aortic stenosis is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.