The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test is a screening measure that a podiatrist can use to determine a patient’s risk of having peripheral artery disease (PAD). As many as 50% of people who have PAD are asymptomatic. This makes screenings very important for detection, diagnosis, and treatment. During an ABI test, the doctor uses a blood pressure cuff or ultrasound to take your blood pressure at the brachial artery in both upper arms and at the anterior and posterior tibial arteries in both lower legs. The doctor then takes the higher of the two brachial blood pressures and the highest of the anterior or posterior tibial artery blood pressures and compares the two numbers to form a ratio. This ratio correlates to one’s risk of having PAD. A ratio of 1.0-1.4 is considered within the normal range, while a ratio below 0.90 is considered abnormal. It is said that the lower the ratio, the more severe the PAD. For more information about vascular testing, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.