Early detection is key to heart and vascular health. A Doppler ultrasound is one of our most valuable tools for assessing blood flow and detecting potential issues. This simple, noninvasive test provides crucial insights into how well blood moves through your arteries and veins.
In this blog, Dr. Fahmi Farah and our team at Bentley Heart in Fort Worth, Texas, closely examine how this powerful technology works.
A Doppler ultrasound is a specialized imaging test that uses sound waves to evaluate blood circulation. Unlike standard ultrasound tests, which create images of structures inside the body, Doppler ultrasound is primarily concerned with blood flow. It helps detect abnormalities like blockages, clots, and poor circulation.
We apply a small amount of gel to your skin during the procedure and move a handheld transducer over the examination area. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, which bounce off moving red blood cells and return as signals converted into images or graphs.
Doppler ultrasounds are incredibly powerful tools that reveal a variety of vascular conditions, including:
We recommend a Doppler ultrasound if you have signs and symptoms of vascular issues, such as:
Early detection with a Doppler ultrasound can prevent serious complications and help us create a proactive treatment plan.
Doppler ultrasounds are quick, painless, and require no downtime.
When you arrive, we may ask you to wear a hospital gown so that we can easily access the examination area. You will recline comfortably, and our technician will apply gel to your skin to improve sound wave transmission.
The transducer moves across the examination area, sending sound waves into your body. You may hear a whooshing sound, which is the sound of blood moving through your vessels.
Your procedure will take 30-60 minutes. After that, you can return to your normal activities immediately.
We review your results, and if we find any abnormalities, we contact you to discuss the next steps, which usually involve more testing.
Depending on your vascular condition, you may need to implement lifestyle changes, start taking medication, or, in some cases, undergo procedures to improve blood flow.
Doppler ultrasounds are simple but incredibly powerful diagnostic and monitoring tools that provide invaluable insight into your health. Whether checking for blockages, evaluating circulation, or detecting potential risks, this noninvasive test can be the key to preventing serious health threats.
If you have concerning symptoms or want to assess your cardiovascular health, call our friendly staff at 817-720-5185 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.