Screening by Ankle–Brachial Index for Peripheral Artery or Cardiovascular Disease

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concludes that evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against screening.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Target Population: U.S. physicians

Background and Objective

The ankle–brachial index (ABI) is calculated by dividing ankle systolic blood pressure by brachial systolic blood pressure when supine: A value of <0.9 is considered to be abnormal. Approximately 6% of U.S. adults older than 40 have abnormal ABIs. In this updated recommendation, the USPSTF assessed ABI as a screening test for peripheral artery disease (PAD) or as a risk predictor for cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic patients.

Key Points

Based on extrapolations from data on symptomatic adults, ABI is a reliable screening test for PAD. However, no evidence shows that screening for and treatment of PAD in asymptoma…

Reviewing Author

Jamaluddin Moloo, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportColorado Health Foundation