Ankle–Brachial Index at Cardiovascular Medical Associates in Downey, CA

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a test measuring the blood pressure in your ankles and arms. This test is used to assess the blood flow in your lower extremities and detect peripheral artery disease (PAD). During the test, a healthcare professional will use a blood pressure cuff and a Doppler ultrasound device to measure the systolic blood pressure in both your ankles and arms. The ABI is calculated by dividing the systolic blood pressure in the ankle by the systolic blood pressure in the arm.

A normal ABI is usually between 0.9 and 1.4. A result below 0.9 can indicate narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs, which is a sign of PAD. This condition can cause leg pain, cramping, and difficulty walking, and it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. PAD can be detected early through the ABI test and managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and other treatments to improve blood flow in the legs. Regular ABI screenings are essential, especially for individuals at risk of developing PAD due to factors such as diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Checking the ankle-brachial index is a straightforward and non-invasive procedure. Here’s what you can expect during the ABI test:

– Preparation – You will be asked to lie down on an examination table in a quiet, comfortable room. You will need to remove your shoes and socks to expose your ankles.

– Blood pressure measurement – The healthcare professional will use a blood pressure cuff and a Doppler ultrasound device. They will place a cuff around your arm and another one around your ankle.

– Doppler ultrasound – A small amount of gel will be applied to the skin over your arteries. The Doppler ultrasound device emits sound waves that bounce off the blood cells, allowing the healthcare professional to assess the blood flow.

– Reading the measurements – The healthcare professional will record the systolic blood pressure in both your ankles and arms. The ankle-brachial index is then calculated.

The entire procedure usually takes around 15 minutes. The procedure is non-invasive and completely painless. After the test, the healthcare professional will interpret the results to assess the blood flow in your legs as well as check for any signs of peripheral artery disease. If abnormalities are detected, further evaluation and appropriate treatment will be discussed with you.

A high ankle-brachial index may sound like a positive thing, but it actually often indicates an underlying health issue. The ABI measures the blood pressure in your ankles compared to your arms, and a higher-than-normal value can point to certain medical conditions:

– Peripheral artery disease (PAD) progression – A high ABI in someone with PAD can indicate advanced disease or worsening circulation in the lower extremities.
– Diabetes complications – In individuals with diabetes, a high ABI can be associated with nerve damage or non-compressible arteries, which affect blood flow to the legs and feet.
– Arterial calcification – A high ABI can be caused by arterial calcification, where the arteries become stiff due to the buildup of calcium deposits. This can lead to inaccurate readings and mask underlying vascular issues.

A normal ankle-brachial index reading typically falls between 0.90 and 1.40. A value of 1.00 means the blood pressure in the ankle is the same as in the arm, indicating good blood flow to the lower extremities. An ABI below 0.90 is considered abnormal and can suggest narrowing or blockages in the arteries. A lower ABI value indicates reduced blood flow to the legs, which can cause symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, and weakness.

On the other hand, an ABI above 1.40 is also abnormal and could indicate arterial calcification. It’s essential to have your ABI measured by a cardiovascular professional, especially if you have risk factors for vascular disease, such as diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Early detection and appropriate management of abnormal ABI values can prevent complications and improve your vascular health.

Learn more about the treatment and diagnosis of Ankle–Brachial Index. Ankle–Brachial Index treatment is available at Cardiovascular Medical Associates. For more information, call us. We serve patients from Downey CA, Norwalk CA, Lynwood CA, Cerritos CA, Lakewood CA, Whittier CA and surrounding areas.