Peripheral Artery Disease: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
What ankle-brachial index (ABI) is considered diagnostic of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
A. Greater than 1.3
B. 1.0 to 1.3
C. 0.9 to 1.0
D. 0.41 to 0.9
E. Less than 0.4
Answer and topic summary
The answer is D. 0.41 to 0.9
An ankle-brachial index (ABI) between 0.41 to 0.9 is generally considered diagnostic of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). ABI is a simple, non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the ankle to the blood pressure in the arm to assess blood flow and the possibility of PAD.
Incorrect Answers:
A. Greater than 1.3 – Indicates rigid arteries, often seen in patients with diabetes or renal disease.
B. 1.0 to 1.3 – Considered normal or healthy.
C. 0.9 to 1.0 – Indicates borderline PAD and warrants monitoring.
E. Less than 0.4 – Indicates severe PAD, often associated with critical limb ischemia.
| ABI Value |
Interpretation |
Recommendation |
| Greater than 1.4 |
Calcification/Vessel Hardening |
Refer to vascular specialist |
| 1.0-1.4 |
Normal |
None |
| 0.9-1.0 |
Acceptable |
None |
| 0.8-0.9 |
Some Arterial Disease |
Treat risk factors |
| 0.5-0.8 |
Moderate Arterial Disease |
Refer to vascular specialist |
| Less than 0.5 |
Severe Arterial Disease |
Refer to vascular specialist |
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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Cardiology ⇒ ⇒
Also covered as part of the General Surgery PAEA EOR topic list
