Which diagnostic measurement is used to assess PAD and typically shows an ABI less than 0.90?

Which diagnostic measurement is used to assess PAD and typically shows an ABI less than 0.90?

• A. Ankle-brachial index
• B. Serum lipid panel
• C. Ejection fraction
• D. Pulse oximetry

Answer: (A)

Measuring the ankle-brachial index is how we diagnose peripheral arterial disease. It compares systolic blood pressure in the ankles with that in the arms to assess blood flow to the legs. Normally the ankle pressure is similar to the arm, giving an ABI around 1.0 to 1.4; when PAD is present, the ankle pressure drops, producing an ABI less than 0.90. That threshold is a classic indicator of PAD. The other options serve different purposes: a lipid panel evaluates cardiovascular risk factors like cholesterol, ejection fraction looks at heart pumping function, and pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation rather than limb arterial blood flow. In some patients with stiff, calcified arteries (common in diabetes), the ABI can be misleading, and a toe-brachial index may be used instead.

Measuring the ankle-brachial index is how we diagnose peripheral arterial disease. It compares systolic blood pressure in the ankles with that in the arms to assess blood flow to the legs. Normally the ankle pressure is similar to the arm, giving an ABI around 1.0 to 1.4; when PAD is present, the ankle pressure drops, producing an ABI less than 0.90. That threshold is a classic indicator of PAD. The other options serve different purposes: a lipid panel evaluates cardiovascular risk factors like cholesterol, ejection fraction looks at heart pumping function, and pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation rather than limb arterial blood flow. In some patients with stiff, calcified arteries (common in diabetes), the ABI can be misleading, and a toe-brachial index may be used instead.