Arterial Blood Flow Studies of This Legs (Segmental Doppler Pressures)

What is the test?

Have normal blood flow. Blood pressure is similar whether it`s measured in the legs or at the arms. It usually suggests that flow is being interfered with by the cholesterol buildup in the leg , if blood pressure is much lower in the legs. By taking true parts your doctors can determine if you have any arterial narrowing and, if so, where.

As a way to find parts that are accurate, your physician uses an approach called Doppler ultrasound. Doppler ultrasound can be a surefire means to detect blood. It uses a form of sonar detection system and sound waves to generate noise when the flow of blood is discovered. For arterial studies of their legs (called segmental Doppler pressures), Doppler ultrasound can be used in place of this stethoscope that doctors usually use when carrying blood pressures.

How do I prepare for this evaluation?

You may want to put on shorts to get this particular specific exam, and your feet needs to be bare during the evaluation. If you aren`t wearing shorts, you may have to change into a hospital gown.

What happens after the test is performed?

You lie on a table and a technician or physician wraps blood pressure cuffs around one of your legs in four or five locations (such as the thigh, calf, and foot ). He or she subsequently squirts a few very clear jelly onto skin to greatly help the Doppler detector (which looks like a wand or pencil ) slide around easily and to help conduct sound waves by your skin.

2 times are inflated. The first time, the cuff is inflated part manner so that it exerts a gentle pressure on your leg. Information is sent by the cuff and just how elastic as the pressure is raised, your arteries appear to be. Looks on a screen.

The second time, each cuff is inflated to exert greater pressure. This cuts off flow from the leg. Some patients briefly experience some cramping pain in the thigh or calf (similar to the sensation you have each time a blood pressure cuff is inflated around your arm). A physician puts a Doppler sensor against your foot to detect the exact moment when blood flow starts up again Whilst the cuff is deflated. (As it does, you will hear a noise that sounds just like your pulse .) By Assessing the atmosphere pressure of this cuff at this 11, the leg pressure is shown.

One leg has been assessed in the identical manner, Afterall of the cuffs on one side are analyzed. By contrast, you have your blood pressure assessed in each arm using the Doppler Technique. The entire test takes 4-5 minutes.

Many patients have their own leg stresses assessed before and after exercise. You`re asked to walk on a treadmill to get a while and have the test, if this is the case for your own evaluation. More hours is taken by the exercise edition of this evaluation.

What risks are there from this evaluation?

There are no risks.

Must I do anything special after the test is over?

The jelly will be removed. You will not have a negative effects.

How long is it before the results of the evaluation is known?

An official report should be received by your physician .

Further advice

Always ask your physician to make sure the information pertains to your circumstances.