Why do I need a Doppler ultrasound?You may need a Doppler ultrasound if you have symptoms of reduced blood flow or a heart disease. Symptoms vary depending on the condition causing the problem. Some common blood flow conditions and symptoms are below.Symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) include:Numbness or weakness in your legsPainful cramping in your hips or leg muscles when walking or climbing stairsCold feeling in your lower leg or footChange in color and/or shiny skin on your legSymptoms of heart problems include:Shortness of breathSwelling in your legs, feet, and/or abdomenFatigueYou may also need a Doppler ultrasound if you:Have had a stroke. After a stroke, your health care provider may order a special kind of Doppler test, called transcranial Doppler, to check blood flow to the brain.Had an injury to your blood vessels.Are being treated for a blood flow disorder.Are pregnant and your provider thinks you or your unborn baby might have a blood flow problem. Your provider may suspect a problem if your unborn baby is smaller than it should be at this stage of pregnancy or if you have certain health problems. These include sickle cell disease or preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure that affects pregnant women.
