Ankle–brachial pressure index: Difference between revisions

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'''Ankle–brachial pressure index''' (ABPI) or '''ankle–brachial index''' (ABI) is a non-invasive method used in the diagnosis of [[Peripheral artery disease|peripheral arterial disease]] (PAD). The ABPI is the ratio of the blood pressure at the ankle to the blood pressure in the upper arm (brachium).
{{Short description|An index used to measure peripheral artery disease}}


==Etymology==
== Ankle–Brachial Pressure Index ==
The term "Ankle–brachial pressure index" is derived from the words "ankle", "brachial" and "pressure index". "Ankle" is derived from the Old English word "ancleow", which means "angle". "Brachial" is derived from the Latin word "brachium", which means "arm". "Pressure index" refers to the ratio of the blood pressure at the ankle to the blood pressure in the upper arm.
The '''Ankle–Brachial Pressure Index''' (ABPI) is a simple, non-invasive test used to assess the presence of [[peripheral artery disease]] (PAD). It compares the blood pressure in the [[ankle]] with the blood pressure in the [[brachial artery|arm]].


==Procedure==
[[File:Pad_abi_ENG.svg|thumb|right|Diagram illustrating the measurement of the Ankle–Brachial Pressure Index]]
The ABPI is calculated by dividing the systolic blood pressure at the ankle by the systolic blood pressure at the brachium. A low ABPI (less than 0.9) indicates a lower blood pressure at the ankle than at the brachium, which is a common symptom of PAD.


==Clinical significance==
== Measurement ==
The ABPI is a useful diagnostic tool for PAD, as it can help to identify patients who are at risk of developing the disease. A low ABPI is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. In addition to its diagnostic value, the ABPI can also be used to monitor the progress of PAD and the effectiveness of treatment.
The ABPI is calculated by dividing the systolic blood pressure at the ankle by the systolic blood pressure in the arm. The procedure involves the following steps:


==Related terms==
# The patient is asked to lie down in a supine position.
# A blood pressure cuff is placed around the arm to measure the brachial systolic pressure using a [[Doppler ultrasound]] device.
# The same procedure is repeated at the ankle, measuring the systolic pressure at the [[posterior tibial artery]] and the [[dorsalis pedis artery]].
# The highest of the two ankle pressures is used to calculate the ABPI.
 
== Interpretation ==
The ABPI is interpreted as follows:
 
* '''1.0 to 1.4''': Normal
* '''0.9 to 1.0''': Acceptable
* '''0.8 to 0.9''': Some arterial disease
* '''0.5 to 0.8''': Moderate arterial disease
* '''< 0.5''': Severe arterial disease
 
A low ABPI indicates reduced blood flow to the limbs, suggesting the presence of peripheral artery disease. An ABPI greater than 1.4 may indicate stiff arteries, which can occur in conditions such as [[diabetes mellitus]] or [[chronic kidney disease]].
 
== Clinical Significance ==
The ABPI is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of peripheral artery disease. It helps in assessing the severity of the disease and in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. A low ABPI is associated with an increased risk of [[cardiovascular disease]] and [[stroke]].
 
== Limitations ==
While the ABPI is a useful screening tool, it has limitations. It may not be accurate in patients with calcified arteries, such as those with diabetes or advanced age, where the arteries are non-compressible. In such cases, additional tests like [[toe-brachial index]] or imaging studies may be required.
 
== Related pages ==
* [[Peripheral artery disease]]
* [[Peripheral artery disease]]
* [[Systolic blood pressure]]
* [[Doppler ultrasound]]
* [[Cardiovascular disease]]
* [[Cardiovascular disease]]
==See also==
* [[Toe–brachial pressure index]]
==References==
<references />


[[Category:Medical tests]]
[[Category:Medical tests]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Vascular diseases]]
[[Category:Vascular surgery]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 06:05, 16 February 2025

An index used to measure peripheral artery disease


Ankle–Brachial Pressure Index[edit]

The Ankle–Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is a simple, non-invasive test used to assess the presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD). It compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm.

Diagram illustrating the measurement of the Ankle–Brachial Pressure Index

Measurement[edit]

The ABPI is calculated by dividing the systolic blood pressure at the ankle by the systolic blood pressure in the arm. The procedure involves the following steps:

  1. The patient is asked to lie down in a supine position.
  2. A blood pressure cuff is placed around the arm to measure the brachial systolic pressure using a Doppler ultrasound device.
  3. The same procedure is repeated at the ankle, measuring the systolic pressure at the posterior tibial artery and the dorsalis pedis artery.
  4. The highest of the two ankle pressures is used to calculate the ABPI.

Interpretation[edit]

The ABPI is interpreted as follows:

  • 1.0 to 1.4: Normal
  • 0.9 to 1.0: Acceptable
  • 0.8 to 0.9: Some arterial disease
  • 0.5 to 0.8: Moderate arterial disease
  • < 0.5: Severe arterial disease

A low ABPI indicates reduced blood flow to the limbs, suggesting the presence of peripheral artery disease. An ABPI greater than 1.4 may indicate stiff arteries, which can occur in conditions such as diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The ABPI is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of peripheral artery disease. It helps in assessing the severity of the disease and in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. A low ABPI is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Limitations[edit]

While the ABPI is a useful screening tool, it has limitations. It may not be accurate in patients with calcified arteries, such as those with diabetes or advanced age, where the arteries are non-compressible. In such cases, additional tests like toe-brachial index or imaging studies may be required.

Related pages[edit]