This tool facilitates the determination of a ratio comparing blood pressure in the lower legs to blood pressure in the arms. The result of this calculation aids in assessing the presence and severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD). As an example, a result significantly below 1.0 often indicates the presence of PAD in the leg where the blood pressure was measured.
The computation provides a non-invasive method for evaluating arterial health. This process assists clinicians in identifying individuals at risk for cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, who may benefit from early intervention and lifestyle modifications. The use of this method dates back several decades and has become a standard diagnostic procedure due to its simplicity and accessibility.