What Is the Ankle Brachial Pressure Index?
The ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a ratio which is calculated for the purpose of screening a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD). It compares the blood pressure taken in the brachial artery of the arm with the blood pressure measured in the ankle or foot. This test is painless and noninvasive, and can be a useful diagnostic tool if a doctor suspects that a patient may have peripheral artery disease. There are some patients in whom this test can return a false negative, however.
