What Is an ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index)?
Zari Cooper, MOT, OTR/L, CLT-ALM
The ankle‑brachial index (ABI) is a simple, non‑invasive test used to check how well blood is flowing to your legs and feet by comparing blood pressure measurements taken at your ankles and arms. It’s one of the most common ways clinicians screen for peripheral artery disease (PAD)- a condition in which narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs and can increase the risk of pain, mobility limitations, and serious cardiovascular problems. By calculating a ratio of ankle to arm blood pressure, health care professionals can identify whether arteries in the legs might be narrowed or blocked and then act early with lifestyle changes, medical therapy, or further testing. Understanding what the ABI is and what it measures provides a helpful foundation for exploring how PAD is detected and managed, including practical tips for monitoring symptoms and working with your care team.
Understanding ABI Results
- Normal: 1.0–1.3
- Mild PAD: 0.5–0.9
- Severe PAD: <0.5
When ABI Testing Is Recommended
ABI testing is commonly used for chronic leg swelling, wounds, diabetes, or vascular disease risk factors. Before Zari wraps someone’s legs with PAD, she will ask for this test to be done before treatment so she is informed on your vascular health.
Can you Still Receive Treatment?
Yes! There are still conservative treatments that can be done safely to help!
Have you been advised to use compression but are unsure if it is safe? Contact us to discuss ABI testing and vascular screening.
Keywords: ankle-brachial index, ABI test, peripheral arterial disease
Sources:
Aboyans, V., Criqui, M. H., Abraham, P., Allison, M. A., Creager, M. A., Diehm, C., Fowkes, F. G. R., Hiatt, W. R., Jönsson, B., Lacroix, P., Marin, B., McDermott, M. M., Norgren, L., Pande, R. L., Preux, P.‑M., Stoffers, H. E. J., & Treat‑Jacobson, D. (2012). Measurement and interpretation of the ankle‑brachial index: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 126(24), 2890–2909.
https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0b013e318276fbcb
American Heart Association. (2024). Peripheral artery disease (PAD).
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease
Conyers, Y., Lomauro, C., Richmond, A., Stemke, K., White, M., & Storer, A. (2025). Ankle brachial index: Quick reference guide for clinicians: WOCN Society Ankle Brachial Task Force. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 52(4), 271–278. https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000001188
Society for Vascular Surgery. (n.d.). Clinical guidelines and reporting standards.