Ankle Brachial Index

The ankle brachial index (ABI) is a measurement that is used to evaluate the adequacy of the circulation in your legs.  It can also be used to follow the improvement or worsening of leg circulation over time.  To obtain the ABI, the blood pressure is measured in your ankle and in your arm, and the two numbers are compared by forming a ratio to determine your ABI.

Normally, the blood pressures in your ankle and arm should be about equal.  But if your ankle pressures are lower than your arm pressures, this may indicate narrowing in your leg arteries, a symptom of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD).  Diagnosis of PVD is critical as it increases your risk of heart attack or stroke up to 5 times that of a healthy individual.