Ankle Brachial Index and heart disease risk
What is the relation between “Ankle brachial Index” and cardiac problems ? Is abnormal ABI indicator of future heart attacks?
The Ankle Brachial Index (Ratio of BP in leg vs arm) is a simple test, typically used in people over 50 (or those with risks such as diabetes, smoking etc.) to screen for PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE (arterial disease involving arteries of the legs). However, It can also predict heart disease in these same populations. The problem with using it for heart disease screening is that in MANY instances it is normal and yet the person has heart disease (this is often called a “Low sensitivity” for the test). However, if you get the test for other reasons like above, AND it is ABNORMAL, your risk of heart disease is high and must be investigated further.