

We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. has recently had a stroke, in which case they will check blood flow in the brain, and the procedure is called a transcranial DopplerĪlso, if a fetus is smaller than expected, a Doppler ultrasound can look for any irregularities in blood flow.is currently receiving treatment for a blood flow disorder.Generally, a doctor tends to order this type of ultrasound when a person: In other cases, a doctor may order a Doppler ultrasound if a person has symptoms of a heart condition, such as: painful cramping in the leg muscles or hips while walking or climbing stairs.coldness in the feet or lower parts of the legs.This occurs when fatty deposits collect in arteries, restricting 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. The following, for example, can reduce blood flow: Share on Pinterest A person may need a Doppler ultrasound if they have symptoms of a heart condition.Ī doctor may order a Doppler ultrasound if a person shows signs of reduced blood flow to the arms, neck, or legs. A continuous-wave Doppler sends a continuous stream of soundwaves, which allows the ultrasound to more accurately measure blood moving at faster speeds.A spectral Doppler shows blood flow as graphed data, and it can show whether the blood flow is blocked.A duplex Doppler takes a standard image of a blood vessel and graphs the data.These studies evaluate the physiologic parameters of blood flow through segmental arterial pressures, Doppler waveforms, and pulse volume recordings. A power Doppler is a newer form of color Doppler that provides more detail, but it cannot show in which direction blood is flowing. Noninvasive physiologic vascular studies play an important role in the diagnosis and characterization in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower extremity.A color Doppler helps visualize the movement, speed, and direction of blood flow in color.There are several types of Doppler ultrasound: The reflected sound waves create an image of the way the blood is flowing. The goal is often to check blood flow through the arms and legs.ĭuring a Doppler ultrasound, a handheld device emits sound waves that bounce off moving objects, such as blood cells. Share on Pinterest A doctor can use a Doppler ultrasound to check blood flow.Ī Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of how a person’s blood is flowing through their veins and arteries.
