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Ankle Brachial Index Test: Diagnosing Peripheral Artery Disease
At American Endovascular, we are dedicated to providing top-tier diagnostic services to support your vascular health. One of our key diagnostic tools is the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, a simple, non-invasive procedure used to measure the blood pressure in the lower legs compared to the blood pressure in the arms. The test is crucial for detecting peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition where the arteries in the legs are narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the lower extremities. PAD can lead to pain, mobility issues, and in severe cases, critical limb ischemia, which can result in the need for amputation if left untreated. Early detection through the ABI test can help manage symptoms and reduce your risk of serious complications.
Candidates for the ABI Test
PAD affects millions of people worldwide, often going undiagnosed due to subtle or absent symptoms in its early stages. The ABI test is especially recommended for:
- People over 50
- Smokers
- Diabetics
- People with high blood pressure
- People with high cholesterol
- People experiencing leg pain, cramping, or numbness
Benefits of the ABI Test
The ABI test offers numerous benefits for those at risk of or experiencing symptoms of PAD:
- Early detection of PAD
- Non-invasive and painless
- Takes only 10-15 minutes to perform
- Can help determine the severity of PAD
- Monitors PAD progression
Preparing for Your ABI Test
There’s minimal preparation required for an ABI test. You can prepare for the test by doing the following:
- Do not exercise 1 hour before the test
- Do not eat or drink anything with caffeine
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol 1 hour before the test
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing
- Continue to take your regular medications that day unless instructed otherwise
Take our PAD Risk Assessment!
Find out if you are at risk for Peripheral Artery Disease.
How is the Ankle Brachial Index Test Done?
At American Endovascular, the ABI test is conducted by our trained vascular specialists in a comfortable, outpatient setting. The test is quick, usually taking about 10-15 minutes, and involves the following steps:
- Preparation: You will be asked to lie down and rest comfortably. Blood pressure cuffs are then placed on your arms and ankles.
- Measurement: The cuffs are inflated to measure the blood pressure at each site. A Doppler ultrasound is used to listen to the blood flow and get accurate pressure readings.
- Calculation: The ABI is calculated by dividing the blood pressure in the ankle by the blood pressure in the arm. This ratio helps determine if there is any significant blockage or narrowing in the arteries.
Understanding Your Results
The ABI test results are utilized for diagnosing and categorizing the severity of PAD, providing insights into your vascular health.
- Normal ABI (1.0 – 1.4): Indicates no significant blockage in the arteries and that you do not have PAD.
- Borderline ABI (0.91 – 0.99): Indicates that you are on the borderline of having early-stage PAD.
- Abnormal ABI (0.90 or less): Indicates that you have mild to moderate PAD and further diagnostic testing and treatment may be necessary.
- High ABI (above 1.4): Indicates you have severe PAD, including stiff or calcified arteries that require further evaluation.
Why is the ABI Test Important?
PAD is often underdiagnosed because its symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions or attributed to aging. Early detection through an ABI test is crucial because PAD is a significant marker for more widespread cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.
By identifying PAD early, we can take steps to manage and treat the condition, improving your overall vascular health and preventing severe complications.
Why Choose American Endovascular for Your ABI Test?
Our highly skilled vascular specialists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating PAD. We use the latest diagnostic equipment and techniques to ensure accurate ABI test results. Our advanced technology allows for early detection and accurate assessment, which is critical for effective treatment planning.
Ankle Brachial Index Test Frequently Asked Questions
An ABI test is a non-invasive procedure used to diagnose peripheral artery disease. This test involves comparing the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm to determine the presence and severity of PAD.
- 1.0 to 1.4: Normal
- 0.91 to 0.99: Borderline
- 0.41 to 0.90: Mild to moderate PAD
- 0.40 or less: Severe PAD
If your test results confirm you have PAD, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or minimally invasive procedures to improve blood flow.
Our Vascular Specialists
Our affiliated vascular specialists in New York and New Jersey are board-certified interventional radiologists who deliver comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. Our team will accurately diagnose and detect peripheral artery disease when you schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Love this Dr and staff. They are all kind courteous and professional with excellent medical care. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need.
Sybil Wilkins
13:05 05 Sep 24
Professional and friendly from my phone call to make an appointment to my visit I felt I was is safe hands not just a number. Everyone was knowledgeable and explained the procedures.
James Mullen
19:47 17 Aug 24
Dr David Mobley was kind right to the point. Explained & solved my issue. The whole staff is professional.
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Sheer perfection. The care and expertise and teamwork are the best I have ever experienced. I’m a former nurse and I recognize and give a shout out to the best!!!!
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16:22 02 May 24
First Impressions are lasting impressions! First, the staff are phenomenal! How is it possible that each and every one of them are incredibly kind, caring, professional, personable and treat you like you are THE most important person in the world!? Well, meet this team for an experience that will make you feel valued as a person, not just as a patient. In walks this amazing Doctor and now you understand why his team are the way they are! They regard each other with the utmost respect, and kindness, and they communicate with each other like family. And as a new patient, I had the honor and pleasure to experience excellence in patient care and concern. I am so very grateful to have found a Doctor who is in my opinion perfect with a team who are exceptional! I’m excited for my next visit, honestly! I write this with a great big Smile on my face!
CC
14:57 24 Apr 24
EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT ALL AROUND!!! THANK YOU!!!
Marion Moore
13:44 17 Apr 24
Excellent, professional, organized and efficient all best describes the service here.
Delsi Cunningham
17:28 05 Apr 24
Very nice and friendly staff.I was so nervous, they all made me feel relaxed and comfortable.They explained everything to me step by step.
Keith Dickens
13:10 02 Apr 24
Excelente servicio es lo mejor que me a pasado gracias a sus buenos tratamiento ya no tengo dolor
Leonidas G Medrano Gutierrez
14:37 23 Mar 24
The staff are the best. Very elated,with the exceptional care,professionalism, and genuine concern, displayed by all the staff.
Constance Sidberry
03:50 17 Mar 24
I felt very comfortable with him. Excellent bedside manner, proper teaching , and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him!
Jamel Jackson
14:07 27 Feb 24
Yes it was a good place
Carmen Diaz
14:22 20 Feb 24
The absolute BEST Dr!! Detailed, caring & kind! The best medical procedure I’ve ever had from consultation to post procedure, perfect! 10s all around 👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽 many thank yous🙏🏾
Josi W
22:04 12 Jan 24
Is good to be with friendly and professional staff at doctor’s offices like this one.
Karmmen Quinones (Karmmen)
02:10 31 Dec 23
Dr. Joseph Sham and the entire Team were very professional, knowledgeable, informative and had incredible patience with me by answering all my questions and concerns. Great Team…Thank you all! 👍
Marion
22:17 27 Dec 23
I was treated very well. The staff was very professional and made me feel comfortable. Looking forward to my next visit.
Stephen Lapinsky
20:17 20 Dec 23
This experience was great I’m so happy with everything
stephanie suazo
22:53 13 Dec 23
I love this place stuff is helpful an they all were nice. I had a wonderful experience Dr Shams was great.
Victoria Pacheco
22:07 17 Nov 23
Professional services
Ricky Mo
22:14 15 Nov 23
I like the doctor they were kind of pretty thorough he says that he could help me he found out the filter in my abdomen from the surgery I had in 1996 has been clogging my blood flow for 25 years and that’s causing the swelling at every other doctor told me was lymphedema it was not lymphedema it caused the lymphedema because no other doctor took the time or care enough to find out the reason for my leg swelling this doctor was the only one who finally found out and he’s going to see if you could put a stent inside the filter to open it up and and stop my legs from swelling hopefully this will all go good it hasn’t happened yet but I’ll keep you posted thankful for this docto I just pray and hope that it works otherwise I like the doctor very much
Mitchell Dedios
21:01 27 Oct 23
Excellent service , good customer service and friendly staff. Thanks
Raysa Polanco
20:54 27 Oct 23
You may likely have to wait. Avoid anxiety and frustration. Schedule extra time for the visit. Allow for personal attention to your care needs once in the examination room. Friendly, nice staff and doctor puts you at ease. Bottom line: worth the wait!
Sisle
21:49 26 Oct 23
Excellent service and staff i’ll let you feel relaxing and comfortable
kadine campbell
21:01 23 Oct 23
I was given good advice about my blood circulation
Emma Bb
17:04 08 Oct 23
Dr. Shams office is amazing. Whitney and Angela were AMAZING. Great sense of humor. Staff is WONDERFUL.
Sara Correa
21:13 18 Sep 23
Nice office, personnel friendly, & caring, good informative information concerning my care.
Loretta Johnson
21:26 22 Aug 23
Really like this doctor, talks in your language, just over all regular nice person.
Linda Thoomey
22:03 21 Jul 23
I’m very satisfied of my visit for the first time, everyone was concerned about me, and Dr David was very patient to listen to my long health stories, after that He gave me good explanation for my problem, that was great 👍
Claude Jean Pierre
22:38 18 Jul 23
Follow up to a procedure. Dr Mobley and his staff are great and always helpful
DanLiza Diehl
21:25 10 Jul 23
David monkey,MD and the grupo are excellent very kind and helpful.i will return to them.the attention.its very satisfied.thank u ..
Luis Sarria
12:16 29 Jun 23
I had a good experience with my procedure and Dr. Mobley’s follow-up calls are great. I’ve never had a doctor who has been so concerned about following up after a procedure to see how I’m doing and if there are any post-procedure problems I may have experienced (which there aren’t). I’d highly recommend Dr. Mobley.
Hey Beej
16:42 23 Jun 23
Dr Mobley was so helpful, informative and made me feel secure in making my future medical plan. Supportive and kind. Highly recommended.
Amanda L Browder
15:57 23 Jun 23
Doctor was very thorough. Explaining what the procedure is all about. Tell me what I could realistically expect. Couldn’t have asked for a better consultation. Highly recommended if you have a prostate issue
John Buric
16:26 15 Jun 23
I was very pleased and satisfied on how Dr. David Mobley examined me and explained everything on what I need to know regarding my condition. He’s very professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of his profession. I would highly recommend him to my other friends!
Celine Parcon
23:16 07 Jun 23
Dr Shams was very attentive and explained everything in detail. The staff was very nice, the staff/nurse were all so very helpful, It was a Monday morning and I didn’t expect such happy staff.
Stacy Lebeau
21:22 06 Jun 23
He puts his patients before himself, returning calls and e-mails quickly. Not only is he kind and considerate, he is an excellent physician. I had to have a procedure that requires me to be awake, and he talked me through it and kept me at ease. If I could give him more stars, I would.
Sabrina DeLuca-Klemballa
00:09 31 May 23
Super friendly, tentative, once in the procedure rm the sx staff made you feel comfortable, easy,+ answered all questions. David mobley, MD answered all my questions, very informative, caring. I felt confident in his care
Thais Bini
21:22 30 May 23
Great doctor. Everyone is so kind and caring. Great place to go
Joan Jurica
14:46 30 May 23
Good service!
Veronika Shopina
21:09 24 May 23
There is a friendly atmosphere, fast medical attention and an advanced medical equipment !!!The Staff is very knowledgeable and the best care possibly !!!100 % Satisfied !!!
Cruz Figueroa
03:06 08 May 23
Whole staff was very friendly and professional. I feel confident that I came to the right place for treatment.
Rudy Padilla
02:08 13 Apr 23
The best in Astoria I recommend Dr mobley and staff 100 percent
michaela1951
21:25 30 Mar 23
Knowledgeable , experienced, great bed side manners
mohamed hamed
10:09 30 Mar 23
I am pleased w/my experience @ endovascular. I hope they can save my foot.
Margo A Williams
19:19 29 Mar 23
This has been the best medical experience I’ve had in over thirty years. I was nervous to have a procedure after only knowing about my condition a year ago. They made this process so easy for me that I’m in shock that I had no pain, no discomfort thanks to an excellent doctor and professional staff! Thank you all and best of luck to your practice.
Stacey Marius
14:16 29 Mar 23
The doctor was very nice and professional. He explained the tests that I need and why I need them.
Judith AndersonNeal
22:12 27 Mar 23
This was the best experience I have had in such a long time and I have had quite a few procedures in the past both in patient and out including the procedure I was currently present for. No other surgeon has been so kind, transparent, and gentle. Not only did he personally come out beforehand to provide me with education on my procedure, but he talked me through every step of the way and made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. Not to mention his amazing staff! Despite being extremely nervous they kept me smiling and laughing throughout the whole process. 10/10 would recommend. Thank you so much guys!!
Riah L.
13:49 22 Mar 23
Excellent bedside manners and the procedure was a breeze.
sen-pei hsia
18:26 20 Mar 23
Los mejores/ the best💖🙏
Ruthy Ochoa
04:17 03 Mar 23
Excellent, Patience, don’t Rush you to be finished. The Doctor explains everything and answers your questions. I would Recommend Dr.Sham service anytime, they are. Great!
Debra Farmer
00:16 01 Mar 23
I went with my mom who just had a hip surgery. The whole team was very caring, nice and very professional. I did appreciate that the surgeon took the time to explain to me what was wrong with my mom’s arm and what he did to fix it.
mouna khalyat
14:37 24 Feb 23
Very good and very responsive.
James Young
19:33 22 Feb 23
Although I didn’t meet with the doctor, the receptionist, assistant and nurse were great.
Theresa Gaines
13:25 13 Feb 23
Every thing and the process are being done properly ..Terissa you are very Carey ..thank you so much every body are very polite and very professional.. Thank you so much to Dr.Mobley..God blessed you all .🙏🙏🙏👍
Remigio Ruda
03:28 31 Jan 23
Very knowledgeable, personable and professional. I came to Dr. Mobley to correct another surgeons work and I was pleased with the outcome. There is a Hispanic woman that runs things in the O.R.She is great! The whole staff is wonderful and caring.Highly recommend
Lakesha Kingdom
15:57 17 Jan 23
I had a wonderful PA take care of me, & the nurses were very sweet. I was happy with my visit
Aurora Anello
19:20 10 Jan 23
Everything always goes well.staff are very caring.
Lillian Rodriguez
19:00 11 Dec 22
Excellent Doctor he explains the procedure process so that it is understandable and comfortable for the patient!
T. J.
14:48 06 Dec 21
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