Sound Foot Care Center of CT
148 East Ave, Suite 2G
Norwalk, CT 06851
Ph. 203.866.7686
Fax. 203.866.7685

Evaluating Artery Health: The Ankle-arm Connection

Did you know that blood pressure can be measured in the ankle as well as the arm? A simple comparison of ankle and arm blood pressures, called the ankle brachial index (ABI), can provide valuable information about the health of your arteries, not only in your legs, but in other areas as well.

An ABI test is a noninvasive test done in your doctor's office. A blood pressure cuff is placed on the arm, and a Doppler instrument measures your blood pressure using sound waves. The procedure is then repeated on the ankle.

The ankle systolic pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading that indicates pressure as the heart contracts) is divided by the arm systolic pressure to get the ABI. In a healthy person, the ABI is between about 0.95 and 1.1. The lower the ABI, the less blood that is reaching the feet.

An ABI of less than 0.8 suggests peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is caused by a buildup of fatty material that blocks blood flow in the arteries. About 10 million Americans over age 60 have PAD. Many have no obvious symptoms, but PAD can cause cold feet, slow wound healing, leg pain and numbness. It has been shown that poor circulation in the legs is associated with poor circulation in other areas, such as the heart and brain.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and smoking increase the risk of PAD. Several studies also have shown that the lower the ABI, the greater the likelihood for heart attack and/or stroke.

If you have risk factors for PAD, ask us if an ABI test would help evaluate the health of your arteries and prevent potentially painful complications.