The purpose of a Doppler ultrasound is to check blood flow. Doctors use the findings to help determine whether there is a blockage, narrowing, or leakage in a blood vessel.
Healthcare professionals use ultrasounds to examine internal structures, such as bones and organs. They use a Doppler ultrasound to analyze how well blood is flowing through the veins and arteries.
This article provides an overview of a Doppler ultrasound, including its uses, what a person can expect, and what the results mean.
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A doctor can use a Doppler ultrasound to check blood flow.A Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of how a person’s blood is flowing through their veins and arteries. The goal is often to check blood flow through the arms and legs.
During a Doppler ultrasound, a handheld device emits sound waves that bounce off moving objects, such as blood cells. The reflected sound waves create an image of the way the blood is flowing.
There are several types of Doppler ultrasound:
Healthcare professionals use Doppler ultrasound to learn about a person’s blood flow, particularly whether there are any blockages or other irregularities.
The results can help doctors diagnose various conditions, including certain heart conditions.
For example, doctors use Doppler ultrasound to check for:
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A person may need a Doppler ultrasound if they have symptoms of a heart condition.A doctor may order a Doppler ultrasound if a person shows signs of reduced blood flow to the arms, neck, or legs.
The following, for example, can reduce blood flow:
Typically, a healthcare provider recommends a Doppler ultrasound if a person shows signs or symptoms of certain conditions, such as peripheral arterial disease. This occurs when fatty deposits collect in arteries, restricting blood flow.
Peripheral arterial disease can cause:
In other cases, a doctor may order a Doppler ultrasound if a person has symptoms of a heart condition, such as:
Generally, a doctor tends to order this type of ultrasound when a person:
Also, if a fetus is smaller than expected, a Doppler ultrasound can look for any irregularities in blood flow.
A person often does not need to prepare for a Doppler ultrasound.
However, if they smoke, the doctor may ask them to refrain from smoking for a few hours prior to the procedure. Smoking can narrow blood vessels, which can skew the readings.
The Doppler ultrasound is a painless, risk free, and noninvasive procedure. A person may be able to undergo it in their doctor’s office, or they may need to visit the radiology unit of a hospital.
Before the ultrasound, a person may need to remove clothing or jewelry on the part of the body being scanned, often the arms or legs. They will then lie on a bed or exam table.
The technician performing the ultrasound may apply blood pressure cuffs around areas such as the calves, ankles, or thighs to measure the pressure in different parts of the arms or legs.
They then apply lubricant to a handheld instrument called a transducer, which they move over the skin to create an image of the blood flow beneath.
The whole procedure typically lasts about 30–45 minutes, and a person can usually leave immediately afterward.
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A doctor will go over the results of a Doppler ultrasound.The results of a Doppler ultrasound help doctors determine the health of the veins and arteries.
Normal results indicate that the images show no issues such as blockages or narrowing of blood vessels.
If the technician has found an irregularity, it could indicate:
Certain factors can skew the findings of a Doppler ultrasound, such as:
The technician will not discuss the results with the person. They will send the results to the doctor, who will answer any questions. If the technician has discovered an irregularity, the doctor will discuss the next steps.
A Doppler ultrasound helps check for issues that could impede blood flow. It is a noninvasive procedure that requires little, if any, preparation.
A person may undergo a Doppler ultrasound in their doctor’s office or the radiology department of a hospital. The technician who performs the ultrasound will send the results to the person’s primary care provider, who will discuss the results and any next steps.