Aortic Valve Area Calculator

Formula

To calculate the Aortic Valve Area:

\[ AVA = \frac{CSA \times VTI_{LVOT}}{VTI_{AV}} \]

Where:

\(AVA\) is the Aortic Valve Area (cm²)
\(CSA\) is the Cross-sectional Area of the Aortic Valve (cm²)
\(VTI_{LVOT}\) is the Velocity Time Integral of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (cm)
\(VTI_{AV}\) is the Velocity Time Integral of the Aortic Valve (cm)

What is Aortic Valve Area?

The aortic valve area is a specific region in the heart that plays a crucial role in the cardiovascular system. It is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, which is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aortic valve itself is composed of three small flaps of tissue called cusps that open and close to regulate blood flow, ensuring it only moves in one direction – from the left ventricle into the aorta.

The size of the aortic valve area is significant because if it becomes narrowed, a condition known as aortic stenosis, it can impede the flow of blood and force the heart to work harder, potentially leading to serious health complications.

Example Calculation 1

Let's assume the following values:

Cross-sectional Area (\(CSA\)) = 3 cm²
Velocity Time Integral of LVOT (\(VTI_{LVOT}\)) = 20 cm
Velocity Time Integral of Aortic Valve (\(VTI_{AV}\)) = 40 cm

Using the formula:

\[ AVA = \frac{3 \times 20}{40} = 1.5 \text{ cm²} \]

The Aortic Valve Area is 1.5 cm².

Example Calculation 2

Let's assume the following values:

Cross-sectional Area (\(CSA\)) = 4 cm²
Velocity Time Integral of LVOT (\(VTI_{LVOT}\)) = 25 cm
Velocity Time Integral of Aortic Valve (\(VTI_{AV}\)) = 50 cm

Using the formula:

\[ AVA = \frac{4 \times 25}{50} = 2 \text{ cm²} \]

The Aortic Valve Area is 2 cm².