The ankle-brachial index is a simple, rapid and non-invasive tool used to diagnose peripheral arterial disease. Patients with peripheral arterial disease are at high risk of suffering from a heart attack or a stroke.
With the patient lying on an exam table, a Doppler probe is used to record his pulse while a blood pressure cuff is inflated above the artery until the pulsations stop in the region proximal to the Doppler probe. The cuff is gradually deflated until the pulsations reappear. The pressure corresponding to the moment when the pulse reappears is the systolic pressure. The systolic pressure is measured on the arms and ankles (posterior tibial artery or dorsalis pedis artery). The higher result of the two arms is taken as the brachial pressure. The higher result between the posterior tibial artery and dorsalis pedis artery pressure values for each leg is taken as the ankle systolic pressure for that leg.
The systolic pressure index or ankle-brachial index is calculated for each leg as the ratio between the ankle and brachial systolic pressure values. This report is normally between 0.9 and 1.3. A value below 0.9 indicates that the patient has arterial obstructive lesions in the aorta or in the arteries of the lower limbs. The lower the index, the larger the extent of local and general arteriosclerosis lesions is.
The test is unreliable in patients suffering from severe diabetes or renal insufficiency due to calcification of arteries (the arteries become incompressible) and in patients with oedema (it is difficult to detect the signal).
This test is recommended for patients with:
If you believe you might suffer from a circulation problem, talk to one of our doctors who will be happy to prescribe you an ankle-brachial index test and to follow-up your case if needed.
If you have a prescription for an ankle-brachial index test, you can call 514 747-8185 to book an appointment. We will quickly forward your results to your physician.
Phone:
514 747-8185
