Ankle-brachial index (ABI) 

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) 

• Used to compare the systolic pressure of the ankle and arm to determine peripheral artery disease 
• Contraindications 
  • Deep vein thrombosis 
    • This is because a cuff is also used at the ankle which can cause the clot to move 
• Procedure 
  • Measured through the brachial and tibialis artery with a sphygmomanometer and doppler ultrasound 
  • Take the highest BP at ankle divided by the highest BP at the arm to get result 
• Data interpretation 
  • > 1.30
    • Rigid arteries
    • Ultrasound is needed to check for peripheral artery disease 
  • 1.0 - 1.30
    • Normal
    • No blockage  
  • 0.8-0.99
    • Mild blockage 
    • Beginning of peripheral artery disease 
  • 0.4-0.79
    • Moderate blockage 
    • Intermittent claudication (pain in LE's with cramps due to blood clot) might occur during exercise 
  • < 0.4
    • Severe blockage 
    • Severe peripheral artery disease 
    • Claudication occuring at rest