If a continuous wave Doppler study shows a peak diastolic velocity of 2m/s in a patient with mitral stenosis, what is the approximate peak pressure gradient across the mitral valve?

In the context of continuous wave Doppler, the relationship between heart valve velocity and pressure gradient can be assessed using the simplified Bernoulli equation, which states that the pressure gradient (in mmHg) between two points can be calculated using the formula:

Pressure Gradient (mmHg) = 4 x (Velocity in m/s)²

For a peak diastolic velocity of 2 m/s at the mitral valve, the calculation would be:

Pressure Gradient = 4 x (2 m/s)²

Pressure Gradient = 4 x 4

Pressure Gradient = 16 mmHg

This demonstrates that a peak diastolic velocity of 2 m/s corresponds to an approximate pressure gradient of 16 mmHg across the mitral valve in this patient with mitral stenosis. This calculation is crucial for evaluating the severity of mitral stenosis, as higher pressure gradients indicate more significant obstruction at the valve.