Understand Your Blood Flow – Non-Invasively and Safely
A Doppler scan is a special type of ultrasound that helps doctors see how blood flows through your blood vessels. It’s completely safe, painless, and non-invasive, making it one of the easiest ways to check your circulation.
Unlike regular ultrasound, which shows pictures of organs and tissues, a Doppler scan checks how fast and in which direction your blood is moving. It uses sound waves to detect blood flow in arteries and veins, helping spot any blockages, clots, or narrowed vessels.
Your doctor may recommend a Doppler scan if you have symptoms like:
Swelling in your legs
Pain or heaviness while walking
Varicose veins
Cold hands or feet
High blood pressure during pregnancy (to check blood flow to the baby)
It is also commonly used to detect:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Carotid artery narrowing (which may increase stroke risk)
Blood flow to organs and tissues after surgery or injury
The procedure usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. A cool gel is applied on your skin, and a small hand-held device (called a transducer) is moved over the area. The scan is completely safe – no radiation, no injections, and no discomfort.
Early detection of poor blood flow can help prevent serious problems like strokes, blood clots, or tissue damage. A Doppler scan gives your doctor a clear picture of how well your circulatory system is working, so they can plan the right treatment for you.