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ABI Test (Ankle-Brachial Index) New Jersey | Cross County Cardiology

ABI ankle-brachial index assessment for peripheral artery disease in New Jersey

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Assessment in New Jersey

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a simple, non-invasive test that compares blood pressure measured at the ankle to blood pressure measured at the arm. It is the most reliable and widely used method for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease (PAD) — a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs. Cross County Cardiology performs ABI testing at our Northern New Jersey locations as part of a comprehensive vascular evaluation program.

What Is the ABI Test?

During an ABI assessment, blood pressure cuffs are placed on both arms and both ankles. Using a handheld Doppler probe to detect blood flow, blood pressure readings are obtained at each site. The ABI is calculated by dividing the systolic pressure measured at the ankle by the systolic pressure measured at the arm. The test is painless, requires no needles or dye, and is typically completed in 15–20 minutes.

ABI testing may be performed at rest alone, or as part of an exercise ABI study — in which readings are taken before and after a brief treadmill walk to detect exercise-induced reductions in ankle pressure that may not be apparent at rest.

Understanding Your ABI Results

ABI values are interpreted as follows:

  • 1.00–1.40: Normal — no significant arterial disease present
  • 0.91–0.99: Borderline — mild reduction in flow; close monitoring warranted
  • 0.71–0.90: Mild PAD — reduced perfusion; may cause symptoms with significant exertion
  • 0.41–0.70: Moderate PAD — claudication (leg pain with walking) is common
  • 0.40 or below: Severe PAD — significant rest pain or limb-threatening ischemia
  • Above 1.40: Non-compressible vessels — often seen in diabetes and chronic kidney disease; requires additional testing

Why Is ABI Testing Important?

PAD is a powerful marker of systemic atherosclerosis. Patients diagnosed with PAD have a significantly elevated risk of heart attack and stroke — often regardless of the severity of their leg symptoms. An ABI result in the abnormal range prompts further evaluation and aggressive cardiovascular risk factor management including:

  • Antiplatelet therapy (aspirin or clopidogrel)
  • Statin therapy for cholesterol management and plaque stabilization
  • Blood pressure optimization
  • Smoking cessation counseling (smoking is the single most important modifiable PAD risk factor)
  • Structured walking exercise program
  • Evaluation for concomitant coronary and cerebrovascular disease

Who Should Have an ABI Test?

ABI screening is recommended for:

  • Adults over age 65 with leg symptoms or cardiovascular risk factors
  • Adults aged 50–64 with diabetes or a history of smoking
  • Any age patient with symptoms suggestive of PAD (leg cramping, claudication, non-healing wounds)
  • Patients with known coronary or carotid artery disease (to assess systemic atherosclerosis burden)
  • Patients with diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia and new lower extremity symptoms

Schedule Your ABI Assessment in New Jersey

An ABI test is quick, non-invasive, and can provide critical information about your vascular health. Contact Cross County Cardiology at (551) 373-9007 to schedule your assessment. Our vascular team serves patients across Hudson and Bergen County from five convenient locations.