gradient concern from last echocardiogram

i just had my latest echocardiogram and my mean and maximum gradient across the valve is 26 mmHG 50mmHG, the gradient appears to uo up with Valsalva maneuver from 43 mmHG to 53mmHG. This gradient appears more dagger-shaped fixed than a year ago. diastolic diameter is 4.77, systolic diamteter is 4.31 and septal thickness is 1.18 . What does this really mean?what is a gradient supposed to be, like what is normal. should i be worried?

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

Below is a link to the infor that may be help answer your questions. If not let me know, and I'll see what I can do to help you further.

Article is titled:
Validation of the severity index by cardiac catheterization and Doppler echocardiography in patients with aortic sclerosis and stenosis

You will have to copy and paste this link into your browser

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=16551359

I hope this helps:)