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Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
ankle-brachial index · ABI test · leg artery test · ankle blood pressure test
A nurse measures blood pressure on your arms and ankles. If it is much lower in the legs, the leg arteries may be narrowed.
For leg pain when walking, in smokers, with diabetes or high blood pressure, or to check the leg arteries.
⏱ Duration: usually 15 to 20 minutes; results usually right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Rest. Come early and rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not smoke or drink coffee before the test.
- Clothing. Loose trousers or a skirt, so your ankles are easy to uncover. Socks that come off easily.
- Food. No prep needed. You can eat.
What to bring
- Your referral
- A list of your medicines
- Past leg artery ultrasounds
How it goes
- You lie on your back for a few minutes
- Cuffs are put on both arms and both ankles
- A small probe listens to the pulse on your arm and foot
- The cuff is inflated and slowly let down
- Blood pressure is measured at all four points
- The device or the nurse calculates the index
What you'll feel
- The cuff squeezes your arm and leg for a few seconds
- Cool gel for the probe
Afterwards
- You can go back to your usual day right away
- Results usually right away
- If the index is abnormal, your doctor may order a leg artery ultrasound
Common questions
Why measure blood pressure on the legs?
If the leg arteries are narrowed, the pressure there is lower than in the arms. It is a simple way to find a problem.
Does it hurt?
No. It is like a regular blood pressure check.