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By Mayo Clinic staffWhen the ankle-brachial index test is complete, your doctor calculates your ankle-brachial index by dividing the higher of the two blood pressure measurements at your arms by the higher of the two blood pressure measurements at the arteries near your ankle. Based on the number your doctor calculates, your ankle-brachial index may indicate:
- No blockage (1.0 to 1.3). An ankle-brachial index number in this range suggests that you probably don't have peripheral artery disease. But if you have certain risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking or a family history of PAD, tell your doctor so that he or she can continue to monitor your risk.
- Mild blockage (0.8 to 0.99). If your ankle-brachial index number is less than 1.0, you may have some narrowing of the arteries in your ankle. People with an ankle-brachial index of 0.9 or lower may have the beginnings of peripheral artery disease. Your doctor may then monitor your condition more closely.
- Moderate blockage (0.5 to .79). An ankle-brachial index number in this range indicates more significant blockage of your ankle arteries. You may have noticed some pain in your legs or buttocks when you exercise.
- Severe blockage (less than 0.5). If your ankle-brachial index number is in this range, your ankle arteries are significantly blocked and you may have pain in your legs even while resting. An ankle-brachial index of less than 0.5 suggests severe peripheral artery disease.
Some doctors recommend a series of three tests, including the ankle-brachial index test, to thoroughly check for cardiovascular disease. The two other tests include an abdominal ultrasound to screen for potential abdominal aortic aneurysm and a carotid artery ultrasound to check for blockage in the artery in your neck. Talk to your doctor to see if receiving all three of these tests is necessary for you.
