What type of ultrasound specifically assesses blood flow and heart valves?

The correct choice, which is Doppler ultrasound, is specifically designed to assess blood flow within the heart and surrounding vessels, as well as to evaluate heart valves. This technology works by emitting sound waves that bounce off moving blood cells, creating images that can visualize the flow of blood. By analyzing the frequency shift of the returned sound waves, Doppler ultrasound provides critical information about the speed and direction of blood flow, which is essential for diagnosing various cardiovascular conditions, including valve function and circulation abnormalities.

In contrast, echocardiography, while it does provide valuable information about heart structures like chambers and valves, typically does so without the specialized focus on blood flow dynamics that Doppler ultrasound offers. An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures electrical activity of the heart rather than blood flow, focusing more on heart rhythm and electrical impulses. An electrophysiological study (EPS) involves invasive testing to assess the electrical conduction pathways in the heart, also distinct from the imaging and blood flow assessment of ultrasound techniques.