Ankle Brachial Index

General Description      
     The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is a measure of the fall in blood pressure in the arteries supplying the legs and as such is used to detect evidence of blockages (peripheral vascular disease). It is calculated by dividing the systolic blood pressure in the ankle by the higher of the two systolic blood pressures in the arms.

     The pressures in the posterior tibial artery and dorsalis pedis artery in the feet and the brachial artery at the elbow are estimated. A Doppler probe is used, through a device called the Pulse Volume Recorder (some variances may apply depending on the physician), to monitor the pulse while a sphygmomanometer(blood pressure) cuff is inflated above the artery. The cuff is deflated and the pressure at which the pulse returns is recorded.

Patient Preparation
     No special preparation is required. Allow 60 minutes for this test.