ABI:Ankle-Brachial Index

📧 EM Note Newsletter https://forms.gle/8boToiKDXVE3V8U19 Signup to get free weekly PDF via email. PS: Please join our membership for more perks (members can request for specific PDF file by posting in the EM Note YouTube Membership section). Homepage: EMNote.org ■ 🚩Membership: https://tinyurl.com/joinemnote 🚩ACLS Lecture: https://tinyurl.com/emnoteacls Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a diagnostic tool for peripheral artery disease (PAD) or peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD). This non-invasive test compares blood pressure at the ankle to that at the arm, providing valuable insights into arterial blood flow. To perform an ABI, measure systolic blood pressure at both the ankle and arm. Divide the ankle pressure by the arm pressure to calculate the index. For enhanced sensitivity, consider obtaining both pre- and post-exercise ABI readings, as exercise can accentuate pressure differences distal to arterial lesions. An ABI below 0.9 indicates arterial insufficiency. Upon detecting an abnormal ABI, assess for signs of severe disease, including rest pain, ulceration, necrosis, or gangrene (wet or dry).