ANKLE BRACHIAL INDEX (ABI)

SUMMARY

1. Simple method of quantifying severity of arterial occlusion in the leg.
2. It is a ratio of the SBP in the lower legs to the SBP in the arms.
3. Compared to the arm, lower BP in the leg is an indication of PVD.

VALUES & CLINICAL CORRELATION
4. 0.9-1.3: normal.
5. 0.71-0.9: mild peripheral arterial disease (Peripheral Arterial Disease [PAD]).
6. 0.41-0.7: moderate PAD.
7. 0-0.4: severe PAD.
8. ABI > 1.30 may suggest calcified, noncompressible vessels, which can produce false negative results, this is common in diabetics.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.