Evaluation

Ankle Brachial Index

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) testing measures blood flow to the legs to detect peripheral artery disease early and guide treatment

Ankle–Brachial Index (ABI): A Simple Test to Check for Peripheral Artery Disease

If you’ve been experiencing leg pain when walking, cold feet, slow-healing wounds, or numbness in your toes, your doctor may recommend an Ankle–Brachial Index (ABI) test. This quick, painless test is one of the most important tools for detecting peripheral artery disease (PAD) — a condition where narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to your legs.

At our clinic, we use ABI testing to help identify circulation problems early, so you can protect your leg health and prevent serious complications.

What Is the Ankle–Brachial Index?

The Ankle–Brachial Index (ABI) is a simple comparison of the blood pressure in your ankle versus the blood pressure in your arm.

In healthy arteries, the pressure in the legs and arms should be similar.
But if blood flow to the legs is reduced — as in peripheral artery disease — the pressure in your ankles will be lower.

The ABI test gives a clear, numerical score that helps assess the severity of arterial blockages in the legs.

Why Is ABI Important?

ABI is one of the most reliable, non-invasive ways to detect:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Poor circulation in the legs
• Risk of non-healing wounds or ulcers
• Early signs of cardiovascular disease

PAD is often underdiagnosed because symptoms may come on slowly. ABI helps identify problems early, allowing timely treatment and lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of limb complications and heart attacks.

Common Symptoms That May Prompt an ABI Test

You may benefit from an ABI if you experience:

• Pain, cramping, or heaviness in the calves when walking
• Cold feet or toes
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Slow-healing wounds on the feet
• Leg weakness or fatigue
• Darkened skin on the lower legs
• Known risk factors like diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

If left untreated, PAD can progress and affect your mobility — and in severe cases, lead to critical limb ischemia.

How the ABI Test Is Done

An ABI test is:

✅ Non-invasive
✅ Painless
✅ Quick — only 10 to 15 minutes

During the test:

1. You lie comfortably on an examination bed.
2. A blood pressure cuff is placed around your arms and ankles.
3. A Doppler ultrasound probe is used to listen to blood flow.
4. Pressures are recorded and compared to calculate your ABI score.

You can return to normal activities immediately after.

Understanding Your ABI Score

1.00 – 1.40
✅ Normal: Good blood flow in the legs

0.91 – 0.99
Borderline: Early signs of reduced circulation

0.41 – 0.90
⚠️ Mild to moderate PAD

0.00 – 0.40
❗ Severe PAD (significant blockage, high risk for ulcers or tissue loss)

>1.40
Suggests rigid or calcified arteries — common in diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Further tests such as toe–brachial index (TBI) may be needed.

What Happens After the ABI Test?

Depending on your results, we may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes (exercise program, smoking cessation, weight management)
• Medications to improve circulation or reduce cardiovascular risk
• Further imaging, such as arterial duplex ultrasound or CT angiography
• Minimally invasive procedures if significant arterial narrowing is found
• Wound care if ulcers or non-healing wounds are present

ABI is often the first step in creating a comprehensive vascular care plan.

Who Should Get an ABI Test?

You may need ABI screening if you:

• Are over 50 with diabetes or a history of smoking
• Are over 65
• Have a family history of PAD
• Experience leg pain when walking
• Have foot wounds, numbness, or colour changes
• Have known cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, stents)

Early detection can prevent future complications — including amputation in advanced cases.

Take Charge of Your Leg Health

The Ankle–Brachial Index is a simple yet powerful test that can offer early insight into your vascular health. If you have leg discomfort, slow-healing wounds, or risk factors for poor circulation, an ABI test can help you understand what’s going on and guide you toward the right treatment.

Our clinic offers comprehensive vascular assessment, including ABI, Doppler ultrasound, and personalized care to keep your legs healthy and active.