What exactly is a Doppler ultrasound?

Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood and other bodily fluids through blood vessels. This information can be used to identify and diagnose a variety of medical conditions, such as:

* Blood clots

* Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

* Narrowing of arteries or veins

* Leaky heart valves

* Congenital heart defects

* Aneurysms (bulges in blood vessels)

* Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

* Carotid artery disease

* Renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the artery that supplies blood to the kidneys)

Doppler ultrasound works by transmitting high-frequency sound waves into the body and then analyzing the sound waves that are reflected back. The pitch of the reflected sound waves changes depending on the speed and direction of the blood flow. This information is used to create a real-time image of the blood flow in the body.

Doppler ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that does not require the use of radiation. It is often performed in a doctor's office or hospital outpatient department.