Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)
A quick blood pressure test on your arms and ankles that checks for poor circulation in your legs.
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a simple, non-invasive test that compares blood pressure in the ankle to the arm — the primary screening tool for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Patients with an ABI below 0.9 face a two- to threefold increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
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By comparing blood pressure at the ankle with that at the arm, the ABI test reliably identifies poor leg circulation.
How It's Performed
After five minutes of rest, blood pressure cuffs are applied to both arms and ankles. A handheld Doppler probe detects arterial flow signals. The test is painless, requires no preparation, takes approximately 15 minutes, and needs no recovery time.
What Results Mean
- Above 1.40 — Non-compressible, calcified arteries (further testing needed)
- 1.00–1.40 — Normal perfusion
- 0.91–0.99 — Borderline reduction
- 0.41–0.90 — Mild to moderate PAD
- Below 0.40 — Severe PAD with critical limb ischaemia risk
Who Should Get It
- Patients over 65
- Those over 50 with diabetes or smoking history
- Anyone with claudication, rest pain, or non-healing wounds
- Established cardiovascular disease
- Diabetic patients with neuropathy
Ready to Schedule Your Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)?
Most evaluations are available on the same day as your consultation with Dr. Peter Chang at Paragon Medical Centre, Singapore.