The ABPI is the ratio of the ankle systolic blood pressure to the brachial systolic blood pressure and can be measured using a sphygmomanometer and a hand held Doppler device [SIGN, 2010]. It is the most reliable way to detect arterial insufficiency.

What is the normal ABPI?

An ABPI of 1.0 – 1.3 is normal, an ABPI of <0.8 indicates a degree of lower limb arterial occlusive disease that precludes the use of high compression. An ABPI below 0.5 indicates severe disease. If your patient’s ABPI is not within the normal limits a referral to a Vascular Specialist is recommended.

What causes high ABPI?

Calcified vessels often cause unusually high ABPI results. In this scenario, further assessments such as duplex ultrasound and angiography are advised to accurately assess perfusion. Mild arterial disease: typical presenting features include mild claudication.