HEART DISEASES AND ULTRASOUND

Heart disorders are a variety of heart conditions affecting the normal physiology of the heart. Every heart disease is unique in its aspect, and its nature varies from patient to patient. However, due to emerging lifestyle and dietary issues, one of the most common causes of cardiac conditions is the deposition of fatty material in the pathway of cardiac vessels. Due to fatty deposition, the normal flow of blood through the heart is impaired, making the working and pumping of the heart difficult leading to abnormalities.

Risk factors

Following are the risk factors that can put a person at risk of developing cardiac conditions in any stage of life:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol level
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Genetics
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Anxiety and depression

Those people who have risk factors among mentioned ones need care and proper screening from time to time to keep their health in check. Private GB London provides detailed checkups for patients at risk of cardiac conditions.

Diagnosis

One of the widely and most effectively used methods to diagnose cardiac issues is an ultrasound of the heart known as doppler echocardiography. In simple terms, it is also called Doppler ultrasound.

In Doppler ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves are emitted from an ultrasound transducer reflecting the heart and cardiac vessels. The sound waves are reflected at different intensities (echoes), converted into an image that allows the doctor to see blood flow through vessels and heart and check for any existing pathology.

The following elements can be checked using Doppler ultrasound:

• The flow of the blood through vascular structures.
• Narrowing or obstruction of vessels.
• Degree of the leakage in vessels.
• Bulging of any arterial structure.
• Presence of plaque or calcification.

Examination of other structures:

In addition to arterial blockages and heart disorders, the following structures can also be examined using Doppler ultrasound technology.

• Veins of lower extremities
• Reduced flow of blood to reproductive organs.
• Fetal growth assessment
• Infections and tumor

Preparation for procedure:

Preparation for Doppler ultrasound depends on the condition of patient and the structure being examined. Sometimes the patients have to follow specific instructions for example limiting the intake of fluid and food and sometimes no special preparation is needed.

Benefits of Doppler Ultrasound:

• Doppler ultrasound is one of the advanced techniques used for diagnosis; however, it is a better choice in the diagnosis of arterial and venous diseases because:
• It is non-invasive and does not involve the injection of dye.
• Painless procedure.
• Give detailed and precise images of structures.
• Widely available and less expensive.

If you want to know more about Doppler ultrasound or get the examination done, contact Private Ultrasound clinic London to get advice from professionals at Northway clinic London.