The ankle-brachial index is a simple method of detecting peripheral arterial disease. It is a good predictor of later cardiovascular complications.
It can provide information about
- The presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) at an ABI of < 0.9, even if the patient is asymptomatic.
- Occurrence of later cardiovascular complications at an ABI of < 0.9.
Procedure
The patient lies on their back. After a short period of rest, blood pressure is measured at the upper arm and at the ankle.
Duration
Approx. 20 minutes including resting phase
