Ankle Brachial Index

Question 1

What is the ankle-brachial index?

Answer 1

also known as the ankle-arm index, this test compares systolic blood pressure at the ankle and the arm to check for peripheral artery disease

Question 2

What is the main procedure for the ankle-brachial index?

Answer 2

• systolic blood pressure is taken in both brachial arteries and both tibialis posterior arteries
• ABI is calculated by dividing the higher of the two blood pressure measurements in the ankles by the higher of the two BP measurements at the arms

Question 3

How would you interpret an ABI ratio of 1.3 or higher?

Answer 3

indicates rigid arteries and the need for an ultrasound check to check for PAD

Question 4

How would you interpret an ABI ratio of 1.0-1.3?

Answer 4

normal reading=no blockage

Question 5

How would you interpret an ABI ratio of .99-.8?

Answer 5

Mild blockage, possibly the beginning stages of PAD

Question 6

How would you interpret an ABI ratio of .79-.4?

Answer 6

moderate blockage, may be associated w/ intermittent claudication during exercise

Question 7

How would you interpret an ABI ratio of less than .4?

Answer 7

severe blockage which suggests severe PAD and patient may have claudication pain at rest