What is the ABI Test?
The ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) test is a test that examines whether the blood flow of the arteries in the legs is normal. The ABI test is one of the methods used to diagnose peripheral artery disease and evaluate treatment. Peripheral arterial disease is caused by blockage or stenosis of the vessels in the legs. The ABI device is a device that records blood pressure changes in the arms and legs, calculates blood flow rates in the vessels with artificial intelligence, and reveals whether there is atherosclerosis or vascular occlusion, especially in the lower extremity vessels. Thanks to this test, diagnosis of peripheral artery disease and control of peripheral artery disease treatment are performed.
What is the ABI Test for?
The reasons for the ABI test can be listed as follows;
- Detection of Peripheral Artery Disease: The ABI test can be performed to determine whether there is plaque accumulation or blockage in the leg vessels.
- Assessment of the Severity of Peripheral Artery Disease: The ABI test can be used to monitor the severity of peripheral arterial disease. By assessing the current severity of the disease, the treatment method can be updated.
- Learning Return to Treatment: The ABI test is important to evaluate the effect of treatment in patients being treated for peripheral arterial disease.
What are the Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral artery disease can cause certain complaints. These complaints can be listed as follows;
- Walking Difficulty: Patients may have difficulty walking while walking, exercising, climbing stairs, etc.
- Pain and Cramps: Pain and cramps may occur in the legs, especially when moving. This occurs because the leg tissues do not receive enough oxygen as a result of narrowing of the vessels and lack of blood flow.
- Color Change: Color changes may occur in the legs.
- Weakness and tingling in the legs: Weakness, numbness and tingling can be seen in the leg muscles.
- Healing Problems: Another consequence of the inability to properly deliver oxygenated blood to the legs is that leg wounds take longer to heal than normal.
- Feeling of Coldness: Coldness can be felt as a result of improper blood flow to the legs.
These symptoms are usually associated with certain diseases and conditions. These diseases and conditions are as follows:
- Smoking history
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Vascular occlusion in another part of the body (heart vessels, neck veins)
If you have symptoms of peripheral arterial disease or if you have one or more of the above conditions, you can consult a Cardiovascular Surgery specialist and find out your condition by having an ABI test.
