Learn How an ABI Test Helps Diagnose Peripheral Artery Disease

When you think of having your blood pressure checked, you likely picture your provider taking a reading after tightening a cuff around your arm.

An ankle-brachial test is a different kind of blood pressure measurement that can show how well your blood flows. This test can help your provider diagnose peripheral artery disease.

The experts at Heart & Vascular Institute offer testing to identify cardiovascular issues. One of the more common problems we see is peripheral artery disease (PAD), and often, our patients aren’t aware of it.

Since you may not have symptoms with PAD, we recommend an ankle-brachial index. 

PAD facts

Peripheral artery disease affects your legs, similar to how coronary artery disease affects your heart. The blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from your heart to your feet become narrower and stiffer, meaning less blood can flow through them. 

The narrowing and stiffening are caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in your blood vessels. The main symptom of PAD is an ache in your calves when you walk or climb stairs. Your legs might feel heavy, tired, or crampy during activity, then feel better when you rest.

You might think your legs hurt because they’re sore or you’ve been on your feet too long. And remember, not everyone experiences the cramping or tiredness in their legs with PAD. 

If you have PAD, there’s a good chance you also have coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Without adequate treatment, PAD can also lead to ulcers (wounds) on your feet or legs that won’t heal. 

Ankle-brachial index

An ankle-brachial index, or ABI test, is a simple, noninvasive test that compares the blood pressure in your upper and lower limbs. Although it’s possible to have PAD in your arms, it’s most common in the legs.

With an ABI test, you lie down, and your provider checks the blood pressure in your arm and ankle. Then they divide the result of the pressure in your arm by that of your ankle, and that’s your ABI. An ABI of less than 0.9 indicates you may have PAD.

Treating PAD

PAD treatments are available at Heart & Vascular Institute. To start, we can help you understand the impact of lifestyle choices, such as smoking, your diet, and whether you exercise.

In addition to helping you manage PAD, an ABI shows your doctor the extent of your condition. They may recommend other tests to determine your risk of a heart attack or stroke. 

If you have leg pain when you’re active, schedule an appointment by phone or online today at a Heart & Vascular Institute office in Dearborn, Detroit, Southfield, or Wayne, Michigan. A simple test could be the key to understanding why.