Ankle-brachial index - Mayo Clinic

Print OverviewAnkle-brachial indexAnkle-brachial indexTo determine the ankle-brachial index, a healthcare professional measures the blood pressure in an ankle and an arm. The ankle-brachial index can help check for peripheral artery disease (PAD).The ankle-brachial index test is a quick, simple way to check for peripheral artery disease (PAD). The disease happens when narrowed arteries reduce the blood flow to the arms or legs. PAD can cause leg pain when walking. PAD also raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.The ankle-brachial index test compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm. A low ankle-brachial index number can mean there is narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs. Ankle-brachial index testing might be done before and right after walking on a treadmill. This is called an exercise ankle-brachial index test. It can find out how badly the arteries are narrowed when walking. Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNe...