Doppler ultrasound – the importance of the examination and the conditions that can be detected with it

Nowadays, ultrasound is the main screening method used to observe anatomical structures and how they function. There is a particular type of ultrasound called Doppler ultrasound, which can be used to investigate the vascular system, both arterial and venous.

Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test that examines blood flow using sound waves. A standard ultrasound scan also uses sound waves to create images of the structures inside the body, but it cannot show blood flow. Doppler ultrasound therefore provides information about the speed, direction and volume of blood in the arteries or veins.

What conditions can be detected with Doppler ultrasound?

• blood clots
• irregularities in the structure of the heart
• narrowing or hardening of the blood vessels, which can interrupt blood flow to the legs
• venous insufficiency caused by poorly functioning valves
• narrowing of an artery, such as the one in the neck (carotid stenosis)
• a blocked artery (arterial occlusion)
• superficial thrombophlebitis, which means inflammation of a vein in the leg
• aneurysms

What does the procedure involve?

During a Doppler ultrasound, the imaging specialist will apply a gel to the patient's skin in the area being examined, which allows a device called a transducer to be moved from one area to another. The device sends sound waves into the body, and these are recorded and converted into images or graphs on a monitor.

This type of ultrasound generally takes around 30 minutes and no preparation is needed beforehand. The patient can eat and drink and take their medication as usual.

Symptoms or situations that should prompt you to have a Doppler ultrasound

• you have numbness or weakness in your legs
• you have painful cramps in your hips or leg muscles when walking or climbing stairs
• you experience a feeling of coldness in the lower part of your leg
• you have difficulty breathing
• your legs swell
• you have had a stroke
• you have blood vessel injuries
• you have diabetes
• you are living with obesity
• you have high cholesterol
• you have suffered certain injuries
• you have high blood pressure

Can Doppler ultrasound have negative effects on health?

Doppler ultrasound is a radiation-free and painless procedure. It has no contraindications and can be carried out even during pregnancy.

This procedure is extremely useful in establishing a precise diagnosis, giving the doctor the opportunity to observe any changes or the development of lesions in the veins or arteries.

What types of ultrasound can be carried out at Artro Sport

At Artro Sport clinic, in addition to a wide range of other ultrasound scans, the following types of Doppler ultrasound can be carried out:

• veins of a single lower/upper limb
• arteries of a single lower/upper limb
• arteries of both lower limbs
• veins of both lower limbs

Artro Sport doctors who can help you: