Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) Testing in College Park, MD

The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) test is a simple, non-invasive test primarily used to detect Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition that occurs when the arteries in the legs or feet become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerotic plaques. The test measures the ratio of blood pressure in the ankle arteries to the blood pressure in the brachial artery in the arm. This ratio is used to determine the severity of PAD.

At Express Healthcare, our skilled medical team uses a regular blood pressure cuff and a specialized Doppler ultrasound device to perform the ABI test. The results of the test can guide prognosis and treatment decisions for patients with PAD. But the ABI test isn’t just for diagnosing PAD. It also assesses the risk of heart attack or stroke in individuals, as blocked arteries in the legs can indicate that other arteries are likely blocked as well.

The test can also monitor the effectiveness of treatments for PAD, such as medications, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions. The ABI test is one of the many ways to provide comprehensive and proactive healthcare to our patients. It helps us detect PAD early, prevent serious cardiovascular conditions, and guide effective treatment decisions.

During the ABI test, our expert healthcare providers measure and compare the blood pressure in your arms and ankles. This simple yet effective procedure is performed with you lying flat on an examination table, ensuring your comfort throughout the process.

Using a regular blood pressure cuff and possibly a Doppler ultrasound device, we measure the blood pressure in your brachial artery (located inside the elbow) and in your posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis arteries (located in the calf and foot). The ABI is then calculated by dividing the blood pressure at your ankle by the blood pressure in your arm. This index gives us a clear understanding of your arterial health, with scores ranging from 0.91 to 1.30 indicating good arterial circulation. An ABI score below 0.91 may suggest varying degrees of PAD, with scores below 0.40 indicating severe PAD and an increased risk of limb loss.

Patient safety is our utmost priority. Therefore, we ensure that the ABI test is conducted safely and painlessly. This test provides valuable insights into the presence and extent of PAD, helping us make informed treatment decisions and monitor disease progression. Early detection of PAD allows for prompt treatment commencement, reducing the risk of severe complications.

The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) test, a straightforward, non-invasive test that is instrumental in diagnosing conditions including Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Atherosclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Raynaud’s Disease, Buerger’s Disease, arterial embolism, popliteal entrapment syndrome, Vasculitis, and hypercoagulability disorders.

The ABI test compares the blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm, offering insights into the condition of the arteries in your lower extremities. This test is particularly beneficial for our patients with diabetes, who are at an elevated risk of PAD and other vascular diseases. Regular ABI testing allows us to effectively monitor vascular health and detect potential issues early. An abnormal ABI can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Studies have shown that a low ABI is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and death, making the ABI a critical tool in assessing overall cardiovascular risk at our medical practice. If you experience symptoms such as leg pain, difficulty walking, or abnormal temperature changes in your fingers or toes, we encourage you to contact us. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is ready to provide you with the proper diagnosis and treatment options to manage your condition effectively.

The ABI test involves taking blood pressure readings from both the arm and the ankle to determine how well blood is flowing in these areas. The procedure is quick, typically taking about 15 to 30 minutes, and painless. Despite its brevity, the ABI test provides comprehensive information about your vascular health.

Using a Doppler ultrasound device, our experienced healthcare professionals listen to the blood flow in your arteries as blood pressure cuffs placed around your ankles and arms are slowly deflated. These readings are then used to calculate the ABI. An ABI of 0.9-1.3 is considered normal. Values below 0.9 may indicate potential arterial disease in the legs, while values above 1.3 may suggest arterial calcification. If your ABI test results are abnormal, our team will guide you through the next steps, which may involve further testing. We understand that any medical procedure can bring up questions and concerns, and we encourage you to discuss these with us.

At Express Healthcare, our goal is to help you maintain optimal health. The ABI test is just one of the many tools we use to assess your health and identify potential risks. Contact us or schedule an appointment online to receive the information you need to understand your health and make informed decisions about your care. We are conveniently located at 4701 Melbourne Place College Park, MD 20740. We serve patients from College Park MD, New Carrollton MD, Berwyn Heights MD, White Oak MD, Seabrook MD, Laurel MD, Springdale MD, Mitchellville MD, and surrounding areas.