What is a peripheral vascular ultrasound?
A peripheral vascular ultrasound, sometimes called a Doppler study, uses harmless sound waves to look at the arteries and veins outside the heart, most often in the neck, arms and legs. A small probe with gel on it is moved over the skin, and the machine shows both a picture of the vessel and the speed and direction of blood flowing inside it, which you may hear as a whooshing sound. Nothing is injected and no X-rays are used.
Why is it done?
In the neck arteries it looks for fatty build-up that narrows the vessel and increases the risk of stroke. In the legs it is used for cramping pain on walking, cold or discoloured feet, or wounds that will not heal, and it can show where an artery is narrowed or blocked.
What happens on the day?
Very little preparation is needed. The area is exposed and gel is applied. The sonographer moves the probe over the skin with gentle pressure and measures the blood flow at several points.
What to expect afterwards
The gel is wiped off and you can dress and carry on with your day immediately; you may eat, drive and take your usual medication. There are no after-effects.
Possible complications
This is one of the safest tests available. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, nothing is injected, and there are no known harmful effects at the levels used.
This information does not replace a consultation. Please discuss your own risks and options with your cardiologist.