ABI measurement, or ankle-brachial index measurement

The purpose of ankle-brachial pressure (ABI) measurement is to determine the state of the arterial circulation in the lower limbs and any disturbances in it. In lower limb occlusive arterial disease, the arteries leading to the legs become narrowed and blocked, resulting in reduced blood flow. Research shows that lower limb arterial disease is less well known than coronary and cerebral arterial disease, although it is equally a manifestation of the same disease, atherosclerosis.

Risk factors for lower limb arterial disease include smoking, diabetes, ageing, high cholesterol, hypertension and kidney failure.

The disease may be asymptomatic or not noticed, especially in people with low mobility, which delays diagnosis. In the worst cases, the disease progresses to leg-threatening ischaemia or oxygen deprivation, which in some cases can lead to life-threatening complications.

You can book an ABI measurement at the same time as your cardiologist’s appointment, so you can go through the results with your cardiologist straight away. You can also book an appointment for an ABI measurement only, in which case you will receive a report of the measurement result to take home with you. ABI measurement is currently only available at Sydänkeskus Pori.

When to take an ABI measurement

You should have an ABI measurement if:

  • you have symptoms suggestive of obstructive arterial disease in your lower limbs (e.g. intermittent walking, rest pain, poorly healing wounds)
  • you have diabetes
  • you smoke and are over 50 years old
  • you have chronic kidney failure

How to prepare for an ABI survey?

  • Coffee, tea, cola and other caffeinated drinks and smoking should be avoided for four hours before the test.
  • You can eat normally on the day of the study, but do not eat just before the study.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption for 2 days before the study.
  • Wear loose clothes that allow you to roll up the sleeves and legs.

Follow any instructions your doctor may give you about continuing or stopping your medicines.

How is the examination done?

  • The examination takes about 15 minutes.
  • Before taking a measurement, it is a good idea to lie still for at least 5 minutes.
  • Blood pressure cuffs are attached to both upper arms and ankles. The test can also be done on three limbs.
  • Blood pressure is measured in all limbs, from which the ankle-cervical pressure is calculated.

During the examination, you lie in place on the examination bed. The measurement takes about a minute.