The Doppler echocardiography procedure is a vital diagnostic tool. An echocardiogram is a technique that makes use of high-pitched sound waves to created pictures of the heart (the echoes created by the sound waves bounce off the heart and create these images). These images provide doctors with greater details of heart condition as compared to regular X-rays.
Doppler echocardiograms work on the same principle. Doctors use this technique to measure the rate of blood flow, direction of blood flow and the velocity of blood flow through the major blood vessels and within the heart. The Doppler echocardiogram allows doctors to track and comprehend the condition, and any abnormalities if they exist, in and around the heart.
A Doppler examination charts studies the direction and velocity of blood flow in the blood vessels and within the heart. By studying these patterns doctors can evaluate a number of factors that determine the health of the heart and a possibility of future heart trouble. It is also used to determine how much damage has been caused due to an existing heart condition. The images that a Doppler examination throws up not only serve as an indication of heart condition, but also help doctors determine the future course of action.
During a Tissue Doppler Echocardiography procedure, high pitched waves are sent through the body using a special device. The waves and echoes generated encounter the flowing blood and result in the generation of detailed images of blood flow, blood vessels and the heart. These images are then transmitted onto ultrasound computers, where velocity and direction are determined.
A Doppler Echocardiography has emerged as one of the most important diagnostic tools in modern medicine. It allows doctors to access important information without subjecting the patient to invasive procedures. Some of the vital information gathered from a Doppler Echocardiogram includes:
A Doppler Echocardiogram measures enlargements and blockages within the heart and the major vessels carrying blood to and from the heard. It provides an indication to overall health of the heart.
Using these images doctors can evaluate the dimensions of the heart chambers and track heart muscle weakness, a precursor to several heart conditions.
It also helps doctors study the blood pumping action of the heart. Depending on the speed and force doctors can gauge abnormalities in the pattern and zero in on the reason for the same.