ABI (Ankle Brachial Index): A Simple Test for Detecting Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) is a quick, non-invasive diagnostic test used to assess blood flow in the legs. It compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm. ABI is highly effective in detecting Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Early diagnosis through ABI helps prevent serious complications such as leg ulcers, ischemia, and even amputation.

What Is the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)?

ABI is a simple test that measures how well blood flows in your legs. By comparing ankle and arm blood pressures, it helps identify blockages or arterial narrowing that may lead to pain, reduced mobility, and limb-threatening conditions.

Why Is ABI Done?

Doctors recommend ABI to detect or monitor vascular conditions such as:

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
• Leg pain while walking (claudication)
• Non-healing wounds on feet or toes
• Coldness, numbness, or discoloration in legs
• Reduced pulses in legs or feet
• Diabetes-related poor circulation

Symptoms That Indicate You May Need ABI

Common symptoms that warrant an ABI test include:

• Leg cramping or pain during walking
• Weak or absent pulses in the feet
• Cold feet or pale skin color
• Slow-healing foot ulcers
• Frequent leg numbness or heaviness

How the ABI Test Is Performed

The ABI test is simple, painless, and completed within minutes:

• A cuff is placed on the arm and ankle to measure blood pressure.
• Using a Doppler device, the doctor listens to blood flow in the arteries.
• The readings are compared to calculate the ABI value.

Understanding ABI Results

• 1.00 – 1.40: Normal circulation
• 0.91 – 0.99: Borderline circulation
• 0.41 – 0.90: Mild to moderate PAD
• 0.00 – 0.40: Severe PAD – urgent treatment needed

Benefits of ABI Testing

• Non-invasive and completely painless
• Quick results within minutes
• Early detection of PAD and vascular issues
• Helps prevent ulcers, infections, and gangrene
• Useful for monitoring diabetic patients

Why ABI Matters

ABI helps detect blood flow problems long before serious symptoms appear. Early diagnosis allows timely treatment, preventing complications such as non-healing ulcers, infections, and limb-threatening ischemia. If you experience leg pain, numbness, or slow-healing wounds, an ABI test can be life-saving.

Our vascular specialist provides accurate ABI testing, expert evaluation, and personalized treatment plans to ensure long-term vascular health. Book your assessment today.