ABI (Ankle-Brachial Indeks)
What is the ABI?
The ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) is a non-invasive, quick and painless diagnostic test that measures the ratio of blood pressure in the ankle and upper arm, allowing them to be compared and suspected of significant narrowing. This test is an excellent tool for diagnosing and screening patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and is also a good indicator of generalized atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. Peripheral arterial disease refers to the narrowing of the peripheral arteries, and the most common form is peripheral arterial disease of the legs.
In simple terms, the ABI is actually a numerical indicator of how much blood flow to the legs is reduced. Normal AB index values are between 0.90 and 1.30, while values below 0.9 indicate reduced circulation. So, a low ABI may mean that the legs or feet are not getting as much blood as they need, and a very low ABI (less than 0.5) indicates a high risk and likelihood of coronary disease, cerebrovascular and renovascular disease.
How is the ABI test done?
The test is very simple and easy to perform by measuring systolic pressures in the upper arms and ankles, and then based on the difference in pressures, suspicion of peripheral arterial disease can be raised. The total duration of the test is only about 15 minutes and it can also be used to monitor the progression of the disease or the success of previous treatment.
It is recommended to do it in combination with Color Doppler of the lower extremity arteries. In this way, the cardiologist can connect the findings with the overall cardiovascular risk and health of the patient, and give his final opinion with a treatment plan (statin, antiplatelet therapy, blood pressure control, etc.) and monitoring, as well as a recommendation for further tests, if necessary (Color Doppler of the carotid and vertebral arteries or MSCT coronary angiography).
Who are candidates for ABI?
- Patients who have risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), such as smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, previous heart attack, older age, previous stroke.
- Patients who have symptoms of peripheral arterial disease.
What are the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
Many people with PAD have no symptoms. This is why the AB index is important, as it allows for early identification of narrowing of the arteries, before severe symptoms appear. However, some people still develop leg pain when walking. The pain can range from mild to severe, and it usually disappears a few minutes after stopping activity. Both legs are often affected at the same time, although the pain may be more severe in one leg.
Other symptoms of PAD may include:
- hair loss on the legs and feet
- numbness or weakness in the legs
- brittle toenails that grow slowly
- open wounds on the feet and legs that do not heal
- skin discoloration on the legs, such as paler than usual or blue
- shiny skin
- erectile dysfunction in men
- muscles in the legs that shrink (waste)
If you have risk factors for developing peripheral arterial disease or have problems that could correspond to peripheral arterial disease, order an ABI because this simple and painless test can do a lot for your health!
