The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI)

The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) test is widely used in the setting of peripheral vascular disease by a diverse range of practitioners.
The advantages and limitations of the ABPI test are not widely understood, and this review paper aims to inform and update practice by presenting the evidence about the performance of the ABPI test, allowing practitioners to make an evidence-based interpretation of ABPI findings.

The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a non-invasive method of assessing the extent of chronic peripheral arterial disease in the lower limbs. It is a ratio composed of the blood pressure in the brachial artery and the pressures in the foot arteries (dorsalis pedis and the posterior tibial artery). This guide provides a step by step approach to performing ABPI measurement in an OSCE setting. Book an appointment with Executive Heart Centre to check out the ABPI measurement mark scheme here.