Ankle Brachial Index
ABI
Description
"Ankle-Brachial Index" test compares blood pressure in your ankles and arms to evaluate circulation and detect peripheral artery disease (PAD). Doctors often order it for people with leg pain, diabetes, or heart risk. A low ABI score may suggest narrowed arteries or poor blood flow. The test is quick, non-invasive, and helps clarify vascular health. Results guide care decisions like lifestyle changes, medications, or further vascular testing. Regular ABI monitoring supports early intervention and long-term circulation health.
Category
Vascular Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Units
Ratio
Procedure Category
Measure
Test Group
Complete Cardiovascular Group
Test Group Description
Complete Cardiovascular Group: This group contains comprehensive tests for an extensive evaluation of cardiovascular health, providing thorough insights into heart-related conditions beyond basic assessments.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 1.0–1.3 R
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 0.9–1.4 R
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Aortic Coarctation (Narrowing of the aorta, the main artery of the body)
Arterial Dissection (Tearing of the inner layer of an artery, often resulting in bleeding and blockage)
Arterial Occlusion or Stenosis (Blockage or narrowing of an artery, restricting blood flow)
Atherosclerosis (Build-up of plaque in the arteries)
Buerger's Disease ...
Key Reasons For Testing
PAD Diagnosis: Detects peripheral arterial disease by comparing blood pressure in the arms and legs.
Assessment of Lower Extremity Arterial Circulation: Evaluates blood flow in the legs to identify circulation issues.
Detection of Arterial Stenosis or Occlusion: Identifies blockages or narrow spots in leg arteries.
Claudication Assessment: Evaluates leg pain during exercise to assess artery blockage severity.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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