What is the Arterial Brachial Index (ABI) Test?

Also called the “ankle brachial index,” what is ABI and why should you care about it?

Put simply, it’s a quick test doctors do to check your blood flow and see if you have peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD can cause pain in your legs or feet and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

According to the CDC, PAD affects about 8.5 million people over the age of 40. However, most PAD cases can be found in people over 55-60.

But according to the American Heart Association, up to 4 in 10 people show no symptoms of leg pain at all. Since PAD increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, but doesn’t necessarily show certain symptoms, it makes the arterial brachial index a fairly important test to do.

Are You at Risk for ABI?

Fat buildup in your arteries causes PAD. Any lifestyle habit you have that increases your potential for fat buildup is a risk factor for PAD.

It includes common things like these, which are a risk factor for many other health conditions too:

• History of smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Lack of exercise
• High-fat diet
• Excessive alcohol use
• Restricted blood flow in other areas of your body

Older age is also a risk factor.

How Does the Arterial Brachial Index Test Work?

The ABI test is a lot like getting your blood pressure taken by your medical doctor. In fact, a blood pressure cuff is used to do the test.

So, it’s not invasive or even the slightest bit painful in any way. You should be at rest for about 5-30 minutes prior to the test to ensure that you get an accurate reading.

During the test, you simply lie on your back and let your doctor take blood pressure measurements from your arms to your ankles. You then get one of the following results:

• No blockage, which is indicated by a measurement of 1.0 to 1.4. You can, however, still have symptoms of PAD. If you do, your doctor may proceed with an exercise arterial-brachial test.
• Borderline blockage, shown by a score of .91 to .99. In this range, your doctor may again order an exercise arterial-brachial test.
• PAD, which is shown by a score of .90 or less. If you score lower than .90, you’re considered to be diagnosed with PAD. Your doctor may order an ultrasound or angiography to view the arteries in your legs.

What’s the Treatment for PAD?

It’s pretty simple and based on your own personal circumstances. Your doctor will recommend a combination of:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medication
• Surgery

The arterial brachial index is an important test to have if you’re at risk. It’s simple, fast, painless, and can save you from further pain or even debilitating surgery.