When your legs don’t get enough blood, it’s not just about tired muscles—it could mean ankle-brachial index, a simple test that compares blood pressure in your ankle to the pressure in your arm to check for blocked arteries. Also known as ABI, this test is one of the fastest, cheapest ways to spot peripheral artery disease, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your legs. If left unchecked, PAD can lead to pain when walking, slow-healing sores, or even limb loss.
The ankle-brachial index works because healthy arteries respond the same way whether they’re in your arm or your leg. If the pressure in your ankle is much lower than in your arm, it’s a red flag. A ratio below 0.9 usually means trouble. This isn’t just for older adults—people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking can develop PAD decades earlier. The test takes less than 10 minutes, needs no needles or radiation, and can be done right in a doctor’s office. It’s not a guess. It’s a number that tells you if your blood flow is working or if something’s clogging the pipes.
What you won’t always hear is that the ABI test, a non-invasive vascular screening tool used to detect arterial narrowing or blockage often catches problems before symptoms show up. Many people think leg pain only comes from aging or being out of shape. But if you get tired walking short distances, or your feet feel cold even in warm rooms, it could be your arteries talking. The ABI test doesn’t just diagnose—it helps guide treatment. Whether it’s lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery, knowing your ABI number means you’re not flying blind.
It’s also linked to bigger risks. A low ABI doesn’t just mean bad legs—it often means bad heart. The same plaque that blocks arteries in your legs is likely building up in your heart and brain. That’s why doctors use this test to assess your overall cardiovascular risk. People with low ABI scores have higher chances of heart attack and stroke, even if they feel fine. Monitoring your ABI isn’t just about walking farther—it’s about living longer.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how medications like ACE inhibitors affect circulation, how kidney disease and creatine can muddy test results, and how to avoid dangerous drug interactions that worsen blood flow. These aren’t theoretical articles. They’re practical tools for people managing vascular health every day—whether they’re on blood pressure meds, dealing with diabetes, or just trying to stay ahead of silent risks. What you learn here could change how you move, breathe, and live.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes leg pain, poor circulation, and raises heart attack risk. Learn the real symptoms, how it's diagnosed with ABI tests, and proven treatments to avoid amputation and save your life.
