What is the ABI Test?
The ABI test (Ankle-Brachial Index) is a test to assess the state of blood circulation in the legs. Conditions such as plaque build-up or arteriosclerosis can occur in the arteries in the legs. Blockage or narrowing of the arteries leads to obstruction of blood flow. This condition is called peripheral arterial disease. The ABI test is one of the methods used to diagnose peripheral arterial disease.
The ABI test has some advantages. These advantages can be listed as follows;
- Simple Applicability: The ABI test is a test that can be performed easily without tiring the patient.
- No Surgical Intervention Required: The ABI test, which does not require surgical intervention or any medication, is a painless and comfortable procedure for the patient.
- Fast Time to Procedure and Test Results: The results of the ABI test, which is performed quickly, are also accessed quickly. Thus, it can be learned more quickly whether the patient has peripheral arterial disease, and if the disease is diagnosed, the treatment process can be initiated without delay.
- Regular and Easy Follow-up: The ABI test enables the severity of peripheral artery disease to be measured regularly and treatment plans to be updated according to the results.
- Low Cost: ABI testing is generally less costly than other methods.
How is the ABI Test Performed?
The ABI test used to diagnose peripheral artery disease usually involves the following steps:
- Preparation: It is important that the patient rests and is in a comfortable position before the procedure. Patients usually rest for 10 to 15 minutes before the test. The patient is placed on the examination table in a supine position.
- Measurements The cuffs of the ABI device are attached to the wrists and ankles and measurements are taken. Usually the measurement process can be checked and repeated. This process takes around 10 minutes.
- Recording of Measured Values: The ABI device uses the values taken from the arms and legs to give some ratios using artificial intelligence and these ratios are evaluated by the doctor.
- Evaluation of the Results Obtained: The range of ABI values obtained can indicate whether there is narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs.
- 1.0 to 1.4: This means that the patient does not have peripheral arterial disease and that the arteries in the legs have normal blood flow.
- Higher than 1.4: May indicate stiffness or calcification of the arteries (medial calcinosis).
- Between 0.9 and 1.0: Indicates that the patient is in the full limit range.
- 0.9 or less: Indicates that you have peripheral arterial disease, blockage or narrowing of the arteries.
- Between 0.4 and 0.7: Indicates that you have moderate peripheral artery disease.
- Less than 0.4: Indicates that your peripheral artery disease is of high severity.
- Doctor’s Interpretation and Initiation of the Treatment Process: Based on the test results, your doctor will assess whether you have peripheral arterial disease and decide on the appropriate course of treatment or whether additional tests are needed.
The ABI test is the first test used in the United States vascular surgery guidelines for the diagnosis and follow-up of peripheral vascular disease. Its advantages include being easily accessible, providing immediate results, being easily evaluable, and being used as a screening test.
Who Should Use ABI Test Measurement?
- All individuals over 65 years of age
- Individuals over 50 years of age who smoke
- Individuals with diabetes
- Individuals with a family history of vascular occlusion
- Individuals with hypertension
- Individuals with peripheral arterial disease undergoing treatment control
- Individuals with hyperlipidemia
- Individuals with chronic kidney disease
- Individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
What should be done if the ABI test is abnormal?
- Stop smoking
- Blood pressure, cholesterol level and diabetes should be regulated.
- Physical activity should be included in the program.
- A healthy nutrition program should be started.
- Medication to increase blood flow and blood thinners should be started.
- If necessary, undergo procedures to improve vascular blood flow, such as angioplasty or surgery.
If you have peripheral arterial disease and are receiving treatment, or if you have any of the risk factors listed above, you should visit your doctor at least once to have your vascular health checked with an ABI test.
