DALLAS, Nov. 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Statement Highlights
Measuring the ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a non-invasive way to diagnose peripheral artery disease and detect people at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. ABI is the ratio of the top number in a blood pressure reading (systolic blood pressure) measured at the ankle and again at the brachial artery in the upper arm. Until now, clinicians have lacked a consistent set of standards for measuring and interpreting the ratio. This scientific statement:
- Provides a review of evidence based studies on ABI
- Recommends a standardized method to determine ABI
- Offers guidance on how clinicians should interpret ABI
- Proposes standards for reporting ABI data consistently in scientific literature
- Recommends areas for future research
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Darcy Spitz: (212) 878-5940; Darcy.Spitz@heart.org
Bridgette McNeill: (214) 706-1135; Bridgette.McNeill@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: (800) AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and strokeassociation.org