Ankle-brachial index

The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a measure of peripheral vascular disease. It is calculated by dividing the systolic blood pressure in the ankle by the higher of the two systolic blood pressures in the arms.

An ABI of greater than 0.9 is considered normal, suggesting that there is no significant peripheral vascular disease affecting the vessels of the legs. However, a value greater than 1.3 is considered abnormal, and suggests calcification of the walls of the arteries and noncompressible vessels, reflecting severe peripheral vascular disease.

Related topics

• Peripheral vascular disease