ankle-brachial index

ankle-brachial index (ABI),

objective measurement of arterial insufficiency based on the ratio of ankle systolic pressure to brachial systolic pressure. An ABI of 1.0 indicates absence of arterial insufficiency; an ABI of less than 0.50 indicates severe arterial insufficiency.

ankle-brachial index (ABI)

the ratio of ankle systolic pressure to the arm systolic pressure, used in assessing the status of lower extremity arteries. It is calculated by dividing the higher of the left and right ankle pressures by the higher of the two brachial artery pressures. Also called ankle-arm index.

ankle-brachial index

The ankle-to-arm ratio of systolic blood pressure, which is useful in diagnosing peripheral arterial disease.

an·kle-bra·chi·al in·dex

(ABI) (ang'kel-brā'kē-ăl in'deks)

Objective measurement of arterial insufficiency based on the ratio of ankle systolic pressure to brachial systolic pressure. An ABI of 1.0 indicates absence of arterial insufficiency; an ABI of less than 0.50 indicates severe arterial insufficiency.
Synonym(s): ankle-arm index.

ankle-brachial index

; ABI; ankle-brachial pressure index; ABPI the numerical ratio (A/B) of the systolic blood pressures at the ankle (A) and the arm (B) (Table 1)

Table 1: Interpreting ankle brachial (A/B) indices

Systolic pressure ratio (A/B)	Interpretation
0.9-1.1	Normal
0.5-0.9	Arterial compromise/impaired arterial supply to lower leg/foot; patient may report claudication
<0.5	Severe arterial supply/frank ischaemia of lower leg and foot; patient may report rest pain
0.1-0.2	Impending/frank ischaemic gangrene
> 1.1	Incompressible leg artery due to MÖnckeberg's sclerosis; compromised arterial supply to lower leg and foot