Ankle Brachial Index
Ankle brachial index is a quick test to check for any evidence of narrowed arteries caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD).
PAD causes reduced blood flow to your limbs and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Ankle brachial index measures and compares the blood pressure at your ankles to your arms using a blood pressure cuff and small ultrasound device. This may include testing before and after walking on a treadmill.
Other Cardiac Vascular Procedures
Ankle brachial index does not require any special preparation.
You may wish to wear loose and comfortable clothing that allows easy access for a blood pressure cuff to be applied to your ankles and upper arms.
It is likely that you will be asked to rest for a brief period prior to your ankle brachial index.
You will be asked to lie on your back while the blood pressure cuff is applied to your arms and ankles.
A small ultrasound device will be pressed against your skin to measure your ankle pulse before and after the cuff is inflated.
Ankle brachial index usually takes about 15 minutes.
Ankle brachial index is a non-invasive procedure so you can return immediately to your usual everyday activities.
Your ankle brachial index results will be reviewed and the report will be sent to your referring doctor. It is best to make an appointment with them to follow up on the results.
A normal ankle-brachial index is 1.00, meaning the systolic pressure in your ankle is equal to the systolic pressure in your arm.
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) measures blood pressure in your ankle compared to your arm when at rest. It’s a common test for people who have peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is the narrowing of the arteries in the legs.
The ABI is calculated using the blood pressure in your ankle compared to the blood pressure in your arm. The ABI is often done as a part of a regular exam. It is painless and takes just a few minutes.