Simplified formula for converting velocity difference obtained by spectral Doppler to instantaneous pressure gradient.
This clinical equation has been derived from the more complex Bernoulli equation by assuming that viscous losses and acceleration effects are negligible and by using an approximation for the constant that relates to the mass density of blood, a conversion factor for measurement units.
In addition, the simplified Bernoulli equation assumes that the proximal velocity can be ignored, a reasonable assumption when velocity is <1 m/s because squaring a number <1 makes it even smaller. When the proximal velocity (V1) is over >1.5 m/s or the aortic velocity (V2) is <3.0 m/s, the proximal velocity should be included in the Bernoulli equation.
∆P =
P2-P1 = 4(V22 – V12)
Variable
Definition
V1
Proximal velocity (m/s)
V2
Distal velocity (m/s)
ΔP
Instantaneous pressure gradient (mmHg)
References
Baumgartner H, et al. Echocardiographic assessment of valve stenosis: EAE/ASE recommendations for clinical practice. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2009 Jan;22(1):5.
Requarth JA, et al. In vitro verification of Doppler prediction of transvalve pressure gradient and orifice area in stenosis. Am J Cardiol 1984;53(9):1369-73.
Developer: Edward Brawer