Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI)

Overview

• Purpose: Assess the severity of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD).

Pathophysiology of Peripheral Vascular Disease

• Healthy Blood Vessel:
  • Functions like a pipe with easy blood flow.
• Atherosclerosis Development:
  • Chronic inflammation and immune response in arterial walls.
  • Lipid accumulation causing stenosis (narrowing of blood vessels).
  • Reduced blood flow due to plaque build-up.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

• Description:
  • Affects main arteries like femoral arteries causing reduced arterial blood flow to lower limbs.

Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) Test

• Procedure:
  • Measure blood pressure at brachial artery (upper arm)
  • Measure blood pressure at the ankle (lower leg)
  • Calculate the ratio: Ankle Pressure / Brachial Pressure

Interpretation of Results

• Ratio > 0.9: Normal (no PVD)
• 0.6 - 0.9: Mild Peripheral Vascular Disease
• 0.3 - 0.6: Moderate to Severe Peripheral Vascular Disease
• < 0.3: Severe Disease/Critical Limb Ischemia
  • High risk of losing toes or foot due to poor blood circulation.

Conclusion

• Key Insight: Lower ankle pressures compared to brachial pressures indicate more significant PVD.

Additional Resources

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