Optimizing Doppler Assessment of Aortic Stenosis in Atrial Fibrillation: Role of the Highest Mean Gradient and Peak Velocity

The American Journal of Cardiology 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Anushka Mahajan, Muqaddas Hussain, J M Farina, Ahmed ElSayed, Christy Baxter, Krishna Athmakuri, Hari P. Chaliki
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2026.05.017
Cited by: 1
References: 6

Abstract

The coexistence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and aortic stenosis (AS) complicates echocardiographic assessment, as AF-related beat-to-beat variability attenuates flow-dependent Doppler parameters like transvalvular mean gradient (MG) and Peak Velocity. Current guidelines recommend averaging these measurements over 5 consecutive cycles in AF; however, this may underestimate true AS severity. In this retrospective study of 35 patients with AS and preserved (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%) undergoing echocardiography in both AF and sinus rhythm (SR) within a 3-month interval, averaged MG during AF was significantly lower than SR (19 vs 21 mm Hg; p

Fields of Study & Subjects

Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes Cardiovascular Function and Risk Factors Cardiac Valve Diseases and Treatments

Publication details

Journal / source
The American Journal of Cardiology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
272
Pages
153–155
Publication date
27 May 2026
Language
EN