An ankle-brachial index, ABI, compares the blood pressure measured at the ankle with the blood pressure measured in the arm, while the wrist bradycardia index, the wrist-to-ankle ratio test, measures the blood pressure in the arm.
The doctor starts the ABI procedure with an inflatable cuff to measure blood pressure in the arm, but procedures may vary. The doctor receives an ABI by comparing the blood pressure of the ankle with the blood pressure measured in the arm.
The ratio of the two measurements indicates whether the arteries in the leg are constricted or blocked, a condition known as peripheral artery disease. Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which arteries in the leg or arm are narrowed or blocked. People with peripheral artery disease have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. Although PAD quietly narrows the arteries and rarely causes symptoms, it can affect your leg in different ways.
If the ratio is less than 0.9, this means that the person suffers from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the blood vessels in the legs. If there is a significant difference between the two, it may be because the blood does not flow as well as it should. A lower ABI could mean your legs and feet don’t get as much blood as they need.
However, the ABI test does not show exactly which blood vessels have narrowed or blocked, but only the ratio of blood flow to the vessels in the legs.
ABI can give your doctor an idea of how well the blood flows in your leg and what potential blockages may be present. ABI tests compare blood flow in the leg of a patient with PAD and a person with peripheral arterial disease. Comparative measurements offer the possibility to determine which blood flows in a leg could be inhibited and which not. An ABI can also be performed in conjunction with a blood pressure test, blood glucose test, or other tests.
This non-invasive test determines the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which is an excellent indicator of the stage and severity of PAD. It compares the blood pressure measured in the arm with blood pressure measurements at the ankles and the pressure in both arms with blood pressure measured at both ankles. If you request this test, insist on seeing a doctor as soon as possible, even if it is only for a few days or weeks.
– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.
Cited Sources
- https://heartvein.com/arterial-disease/tests/ankle-brachial-index-abi
- https://www.utahcardiology.com/abi/
- https://www.ahvscardiology.com/services/abi
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ankle-brachial-index-test
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ankle-brachial-index/about/pac-20392934
- https://www.cardio.com/blog/ankle-brachial-index-abi-a-useful-diagnostic-tool-for-pad
- https://www.buckeyeheart.com/2020/04/what-you-need-know-about-abi-testing/
- https://www.heartvein.com/ankle-brachial-index-abi/
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About The Author
Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.Board Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Syra Hanif is a board-certified Primary Care Physician (PCP) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.
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