An echo colour Doppler study uses ultrasound to image the heart while colour-coding the direction and speed of blood flow through it. It shows both structure and function, with no radiation.
What it assesses
- How strongly the heart muscle is pumping
- Valve narrowing and valve leakage
- The size and thickness of the heart chambers
- Holes between chambers and other structural abnormalities
- Fluid collecting around the heart
- Pressure in the lung circulation, estimated from flow
The examination
You lie on your left side while gel and a probe are moved across your chest. It takes roughly 20 to 40 minutes, needs no preparation and no fasting, and is painless. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or change position.
