For What Conditions is a Doppler Ultrasound Helpful to Diagnose?

A Doppler Ultrasound test utilizes sound waves to investigate how blood flows through blood vessels. The test helps your Phoenix cardiologist asses how blood flows through the arteries located in the neck, arms and legs. It is extremely helpful in identifying blockages or narrowing in the arteries that can lead to a stroke. It can also reveal blood clots in the legs that can lead to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

What is the Doppler Ultrasound Test Like?

The Doppler ultrasound test is conducted by using an instrument held by hand, known as a transducer. The transducer is lightly waived across the skin in the location of the vessel. As the sound waves bounce off blood cells, the movement causes a change in sound known as the Doppler Effect.

If the sound does not change, that particular area has no blood flow. Data is then put into a report that the Arizona cardiologist can use for evaluation. A Doppler ultrasound can be conducted on any area of the body including head/neck, chest, abdomen and arms/legs.

Why do Doctors use Doppler Ultrasound Tests?

There are several health reasons doctors use Doppler ultrasounds, including:

• Identify blood clots, blocks and narrowing blood vessels that may lead to serious health consequences.
• Assess leg pain that may be caused by atherosclerosis – a lower leg condition.
• Evaluate blood flow after a stroke has occurred. This test is completed using a transcranial Doppler ultrasound scan.
• Assess abnormal veins and/or varicose veins
• Evaluate the blood flow to a transplanted organ such as a kidney or liver.
• Monitoring blood flow after surgery to a blood vessel.
• Discover the presence, amount and exact location of plaque that can reduce or restrict blood flow and lead to a stroke.
• Check the health of a fetus in terms of blood flow to the various organs as well as blood flow in the umbilical cord.

A Doppler ultrasound is a minimally invasive test that causes no pain or discomfort. Initially the cold gel may cause temporary coldness to the skin when first administered. There are no known risks associated with the Doppler ultrasound test to the subject or a fetus.

Preparing for a Doppler ultrasound test may require you to discontinue use of alcohol and tobacco products for approximately 30-120 minutes prior to your appointment. Nicotine is known to restrict blood vessels, which can lead to false and inaccurate results. The entire test lasts approximately 30-60 minutes.

AZ Heart Doctor is a premier cardiologist Mesa AZ trusts, offering comprehensive noninterventional cardiology services. With a Double Board Certifed cardiologist, Dr. Yassir Batres, AZ Heart provides stress tests, ultrasounds, and many services to diagnose and treat all of your cardiology needs in Arizona.

Call today at (480) 300-4646 for more information and scheduling!