Final answer:
A Doppler echocardiogram utilizes the Doppler effect to measure blood flow velocity in the heart and vessels, depicting high velocities in red and low in blue, helping to identify occlusions and heart function.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Does a Doppler Show in an Echocardiogram?
A Doppler echocardiogram is a specialized type of echocardiogram that employs the Doppler effect to assess the motion and velocity of blood flow through the heart and blood vessels. The Doppler-shifted ultrasound can detect the speed at which blood cells are moving towards or away from the probe. During this procedure, the Doppler effect causes a change in frequency (or a 'shift') of the echos received from the moving blood cells. This shift is then translated into visual data and often color-coded images that show blood flow velocities; high velocities may be shown in red and low velocities in blue. By analyzing these colors, physicians can determine if blood is flowing smoothly or if there is a partial occlusion or blockage. It also aids in the assessment of heart valve function and can indicate conditions such as valve stenosis or regurgitation.
Furthermore, the Doppler echocardiogram enables medical professionals to monitor the fetal heartbeat and detect any potential occlusions in blood vessels. This non-invasive method is also useful for identifying damaged tissue in the heart, which may be indicated by abnormal blood flow patterns. Comparing current and past echocardiograms can help detect subtle changes over time and provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient's cardiac health.