The gold standard test for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). The ABI is a simple, non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in your ankles with the blood pressure in your arms. A low ABI score is indicative of PAD, and the ABI score is often used to diagnose PAD, guide treatment options, and measure the success of treatment. ABI testing is performed by a healthcare provider and generally involves the following steps:
Preparation
Before the test, you will need to remove any clothing or jewelry from your legs and arms. You will also need to lie down on your back while the test is being performed.
Measurement
The healthcare provider will take your blood pressure at both your ankles and arms using a device called a Doppler ultrasound. The Doppler ultrasound will measure the speed and strength of the blood flow in your arteries.
Calculation
The healthcare provider will then use the results from the Doppler ultrasound to calculate your ABI score. This score is calculated by dividing the systolic pressure in your ankle by the systolic pressure in your arm. A low ABI score (below 0.9) is indicative of PAD.
Follow-Up
If your ABI score is low, your healthcare provider may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis of PAD. These tests may include an angiogram, a CT scan, or an MRI. Once PAD is confirmed, your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best treatment options for you.