Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Blood Flow Velocity?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Blood flow velocity is a measurement of the rate at which blood moves through a particular vessel. A number of factors can influence the rate of blood flow, making this measurement an important part of clinical diagnosis in some circumstances, as changes in velocity can indicate the presence of particular medical issues. Using imaging equipment such as an ultrasound, it is possible to actually see the blood flow velocity in a specific area of concern.

The circulatory system is a pressurized system. Every time the heart beats, it pushes blood out into the body, and the blood is forced through a series of valves to reach the extremities before returning to the heart. The body uses a variety of techniques to keep blood moving, ranging from harnessing gravity to contracting muscles to squeeze the blood through.

Stable blood pressure means a consistent level of blood flow at a steady rate.
Stable blood pressure means a consistent level of blood flow at a steady rate.

If a patient has a low blood velocity, it can mean that he or she will suffer loss of blood flow in some areas of the body, as the blood will be moving too slowly to get where it needs to go. The decreased rate of flow can also lead to deoxygenation, as less blood will be reaching certain areas, and therefore those areas will be starved of oxygen. Stroke patients often experience a radical decline in blood flow, which leads to cell death in the brain as cells are deprived of the oxygen they need.

Blood flow velocity is a measurement of the rate at which blood moves through a particular vessel.
Blood flow velocity is a measurement of the rate at which blood moves through a particular vessel.

Blood flow velocity can also be too high, causing other types of health problems. Vessels could burst or become severely compromised, for example, just like a balloon pops when someone tries to force too much air in too quickly. In either case, it is necessary to determine the cause of the problem, and to address it so that the patient will become hemodynamically stable.

Blood vessels are part of the circulatory system and are responsible for transporting blood throughout the body.
Blood vessels are part of the circulatory system and are responsible for transporting blood throughout the body.

One of the obvious factors which influences blood flow rate is heart health and blood pressure. Stable blood pressure and a healthy heart will maintain a consistent level of blood flow, at a steady rate. Changes in the health of the heart or the blood pressure can lead to changes in blood flow rate. The total surface area of the vessel the blood is moving through is also a factor: the larger the surface area, the slower the blood will move. Resistance to blood flow, such as that caused by a closed valve, is something else that can influence the rate at which blood flows through the body.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Markus

My uncle has poor blood circulation, so badly that he almost always has cold feet and hands and sometimes even gets cramping or numbness. Though we've heard that a good diet and exercise can fix the problem, he's just sort of stubborn about changing his lifestyle. Does anybody have any tips on how to help him?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Stable blood pressure means a consistent level of blood flow at a steady rate.
      By: Kurhan
      Stable blood pressure means a consistent level of blood flow at a steady rate.
    • Blood flow velocity is a measurement of the rate at which blood moves through a particular vessel.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      Blood flow velocity is a measurement of the rate at which blood moves through a particular vessel.
    • Blood vessels are part of the circulatory system and are responsible for transporting blood throughout the body.
      By: stockshoppe
      Blood vessels are part of the circulatory system and are responsible for transporting blood throughout the body.
    • High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects one in four Americans.
      By: Monkey Business
      High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects one in four Americans.
    • An ultrasound can help detect problematic blood flow velocity in patients.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      An ultrasound can help detect problematic blood flow velocity in patients.