The ankle brachial index, or ABI, is a simple test that compares the blood pressure in the upper and lower limbs . Health care providers calculate ABI by dividing the blood pressure in an artery of the ankle by the blood pressure in an artery of the arm. The result is the ABI.
How is an ABI test performed?
The ABI is performed by measuring the systolic blood pressure from both brachial arteries and from both the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial arteries after the patient has been at rest in the supine position for 10 minutes . The systolic pressures are recorded with a handheld 5- or 10-mHz Doppler instrument.
What does an ABI tell you?
An ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is a simple way for your doctor to check how well your blood is flowing . They use this test to check for peripheral artery disease (PAD). When you have this condition, it means you have blockages in the arteries of your arms and legs.
How long does an ABI test take?
The ABI is the preferred way to diagnose PAD because it is simple, fast and sensitive. The test takes about 10 to 20 minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office or an outpatient clinic. The test does not cause any long-term problems.
What does abnormal ABI mean?
Abnormal. Abnormal values for the resting ankle-brachial index are 0.9 or lower and 1.40 or higher. If the ABI is 0.91 to 1.00, it is considered borderline abnormal. footnote 2 . Abnormal values might mean you have a higher chance of having narrowed arteries in other parts of your body.
How accurate is the ABI test?
The ABI test approaches 95 percent accuracy in detecting PAD. However, a normal ABI value does not absolutely rule out the possibility of PAD for a few individuals. Some patients with a normal or near-normal ABI results may have few symptoms suggesting PAD.
Why is blood pressure higher in the legs than arms?
It has been recognized for some time that systolic pressures at the level of the ankles can also be elevated in comparison to pressures measured in the arm. This is usually attributed to calcification of the arteries , which prevents arterial compression and results in a falsely elevated pressure measurement.
How do you check blood circulation in your legs?
Arterial Doppler Ultrasound
A Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images that highlight blood flow in the leg arteries. This test detects and evaluates any blockages caused by plaque buildup.
What is the purpose of an ABI test?
The ankle brachial index, or ABI, is a simple test that compares the blood pressure in the upper and lower limbs . Health care providers calculate ABI by dividing the blood pressure in an artery of the ankle by the blood pressure in an artery of the arm.
How does Peripheral artery disease affect other body systems?
PAD usually affects the arteries in the legs, but it also can affect the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your head, arms, kidneys, and stomach. As with clogged arteries in the heart, PAD raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death .
When should an ABI be performed?
Why it’s done
Research indicates that PAD affects about 10 percent of people over age 55 . Your doctor might recommend an ankle-brachial index test if you have leg pain while walking or risk factors for PAD , such as: History of tobacco use. Diabetes.
How is Absi calculated?
A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is calculated by dividing waist circumference (WC) by its estimate obtained from allometric regression of weight and height [1].
Do ankles have a pulse?
In the legs, doctors will commonly feel for pulses in the femoral (groin), popliteal (back of the knee), posterior tibial (ankle), and dorsalis pedis (foot) areas. Other pulses often checked include the radial (wrist), brachial (forearm), and carotid (neck) areas.
Can you live a long life with PAD?
You can still have a full, active lifestyle with peripheral artery disease , or PAD. The condition happens when plaque builds up in your arteries. This makes it harder for your arms, legs, head, and organs to get enough blood. Although it’s serious and can sometimes be painful, there are lots of ways to slow it down.
What is your ABI What does this value tell you about your risk of peripheral artery disease?
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) result is used to predict the severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A slight drop in your ABI with exercise means that you probably have PAD. This drop may be important, because PAD can be linked to a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
How do you test for circulation problems?
- an antibodies blood test to detect inflammatory conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease.
- a blood sugar test for diabetes.
- blood testing to look for high levels of D dimer in the case of a blood clot.
- an ultrasound or CT scan.
- blood pressure tests including testing of the legs.
