Verified By Apollo Orthopedician July 20, 2022
3517An ankle-brachial index test (ABI) is a simple yet effective non-invasive test to check for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Peripheral Artery Disease reduces the blood flow in arms and legs due to blocked arteries, which increases the risk of heart stroke and attack. An ankle-brachial test compares the blood pressure measured at both ankle and arm immediately after walking on a treadmill. A low ankle-brachial index score probably means that you have poor blood flow in your legs.
This test procedure is conducted to check if you have any blocked arteries in your legs or arms. It is also conducted if
The test usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes and includes the following steps:
If you have leg pain, your doctor may probably want to check you for PAD. To make sure it’s PAD, your doctor needs two ankle-brachial index test readings for which the test is done twice, one before the treadmill exercise and one after the exercise.
It is a non-invasive procedure. Hence, you don’t feel any pain. However, you feel a little discomfort when the cuff inflates, but it stops as soon as the doctor unwraps the cuff from your arm.
Your doctor uses your blood pressure measurements to calculate your ankle-brachial index. Based on the index score, you may have any of the following listed below:
If you have diabetes or significantly blocked arteries, your doctor might call for a Toe Brachial Index. Toe brachial index is the measurement of blood pressure at your toes. Your doctor might recommend this test for more accurate results if you have diabetes and have significantly blocked arteries.
This procedure is conducted to check if you have PAD, reduced blood flow, or blocked arteries in your legs or arms.
An ankle-brachial test is a simple test and doesn’t have any risks associated with it as it involves measuring only your blood pressure. However, you might feel slight discomfort when the doctor measures your arm’s blood pressure as your doctor inflates the cuff. But it will be only for a minute. Once your doctor removes the cuff, the discomfort reduces automatically.
If you exhibit severe PAD symptoms, your doctor will suggest other tests to get more accurate results and evaluate whether you have PAD.
If you observe any or all the following symptoms, you need to consult your doctor:
If you notice these symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your doctor as soon as possible.
After carefully examining your test results and going through your medical history and symptoms, your doctor will explain the next step, if any. Otherwise, he/she will advise you to make lifestyle changes or put you on medications. The doctor may advise you to consult a vascular specialist specializing in arteries and veins if your condition is severe.
Besides feeling a little discomfort during the test, there will be no complications during or after the test.
A 1.4 ABI score is considered normal.
You can carry on with your regular diet. However, make sure that your diet doesn’t include alcohol, caffeinated items, or fast food, and avoid heavy meals before the test.
No, there is no need to stop taking any medications. You can continue to take your medicines before the test.
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