The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a simple, non-invasive test to check for peripheral artery disease (PAD). This test compares the blood pressure measured at the ankle with the blood pressure measured at the arm. A low ankle-brachial index number can indicate a blockage or narrowing of the arteries in the leg. Physicians recommend this test for people who have leg pain while walking or have risk factors for PAD, such as smoking and atherosclerosis in other parts of the body
What to expect
There are no special preparations for the ABI test. You should wear loose-fitting clothing, so your arm and leg are easily accessible. You will rest briefly before the test, and you normally will lie on your back on an examination table.
Test
A health professional will measure your blood pressure in both arms and both ankles. The measurements are taken by using an inflatable cuff and a hand-held ultrasound device that contacts the skin. The device produces images and allows the pulse in the ankle arteries to be heard once the cuff is deflated.
Our providers
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Kehinde Oluwatoyin Adedulu, MSN NP
Cardiology & Vascular Surgery
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Sonya Alekseyev, MSN NP
Vascular Surgery
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Kristin M Brindisi, MSPAS PA
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Stephanie Jean Cardace, MHS PA
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Ashley Nicole Cullen, CRNP
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Geetha Jeyabalan, MD
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Suzanne Siefert Kool, MD
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Krystal C. Maloni, MD
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Leigh Ann McQuay, MSN NP
Vascular Surgery & Cardiology
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Melissa Kanji Meghpara, DO
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Dana Lurae Parker, MSN NP
Cardiology & Vascular Surgery
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Stephen Fulvio Stanziale, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Lauren M. Storey, MSN NP
Urgent Care, Cardiology & Vascular Surgery
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Asmeret Tewolde, FNP-C
Vascular Surgery
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Lauren Marie Wintheiser, MPAS PA
Vascular Surgery
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Nabil Badro, MD
General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
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