Doppler echocardiography

The Doppler echocardiography - An investigation in which blood flow through the heart is assessed by the use of ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves). An ultrasound transducer is moved over the chest in the area of the heart.

The waves emitted by the transducer are reflected by blood, forming echoes that are recorded to give a picture of blood flow. This allows the direction and speed of the blood flow to be measured.

Doppler echocardiography can be used to investigate the presence of some conditions of the heart and circulation, including abnormalities of the heart valves (see valvular heart disease). The procedure is painless and takes between 15 and 30 minutes to perform.