Color Doppler of the Lower Extremity Arteries with Cardiological Opinion

Color Doppler of the leg arteries is a diagnostic test that evaluates the blood flow through the leg arteries. Specifically, the patency of the arteries is shown to determine if there is stenosis (narrowing) of the arteries, occlusion (clogging) of the arteries, or aneurysms. Also, this test makes it possible to distinguish vascular from other causes of leg pain.

How is Color Doppler of the leg arteries performed? 

Color Doppler of the leg arteries is performed by a cardiologist as part of the cardiology outpatient clinic, where the patient is in a supine position, and the ultrasound probe is placed in several specific places along the patient's legs, from the groin to the feet. The examination itself is painless and non-invasive, and at the end of the examination, a finding is obtained that shows how regular the arterial circulation is and where there is a potential problem. It is often combined with the ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) – a non-invasive, quick and painless diagnostic test that measures the ratio of blood pressure in the ankle and upper arm, and is a numerical indicator of how much blood flow to the legs is reduced.

The cardiologist will then correlate the findings with the patient's overall cardiovascular risk and health, and give his final opinion along with a treatment and follow-up plan, as well as a recommendation for further tests, if necessary (most often Color Doppler of the carotid and vertebral arteries or MSCT coronary angiography).