The NORRE study provides the reference values for the most useful Doppler parameters in the evaluation of heart physiology. These data highlight the need of using age-specific reference values especially for the diagnosis of LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction and for the estimation of LV filling pressures.

The NORRE study provides contemporary, applicable echocardiographic reference ranges for LA function. Our data highlight the importance of age-specific reference values for LA functions.

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Enlarged LAV is associated with impaired functional NYHA class and inversely with treadmill exercise capacity. Enlarged LAV is also associated with NT-pro-BNP, MMP-2 and CRP, perhaps as markers of disease severity and tissue remodelling. Age, LAV and NT-pro-BNP are independent predictors of exercise performance.

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Reliability of AVA planimetry by 3DTEE in comparison with the calculation by TTE is good, but 3DTEE underestimates slightly the measurement. Feasibility of the technique is good but independently affected by valvular calcification. Inconsistent classification of AVS severity as graded by AVA or mean systolic gradient is observed in the overall population and in patients with preserved systolic function.

In patients admitted to hospital with dyspnea, the finding of systolic aortic regurgitation in echocardiography has a high PPV for HF diagnosis at discharge.