London Private Ultrasound

📍Central London  📍 St Albans

020 7101 3377
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London Private Ultrasound

Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI)

Private Doppler Scan. Performed by the UK’s leading vascular scientists using hospital-grade equipment

At London Private Ultrasound, we specialise in advanced vascular diagnostics - and our ABPI Doppler Scan is a cornerstone in detecting Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) early, before it escalates into serious circulatory complications. This non-invasive, pain-free test compares the blood pressure in your ankle with that in your arm to detect any narrowing or blockage in the leg arteries. Using high-sensitivity continuous wave Doppler technology, our vascular experts deliver fast, accurate results with unmatched precision.

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Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI)
Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) Doppler Ultrasound Scan | Private Ultrasound Scans and Health Checks | London Private Ultrasound

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About our ABPI Doppler Ultrasound Scan

At London Private Ultrasound, we prioritise your cardiovascular health by providing high-quality, comprehensive Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) ultrasound scans. An ABPI ultrasound scan is a non-invasive test that measures the blood pressure in your ankles and arms to assess your circulation and diagnose peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

PAD is a common condition that occurs when the arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the lower extremities. PAD can lead to a variety of complications, including leg pain, cramping, numbness, and even tissue death.

An ABPI ultrasound scan is a simple and effective way to detect PAD early on, when it is most treatable. The test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and to identify any changes in your circulation over time.

 

What is ABPI and Why is it Important?

The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index is the gold standard screening tool for Peripheral Arterial Disease — a condition where arteries in the legs become narrowed due to atherosclerosis. PAD is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and limb ischemia, often progressing silently.

ABPI testing is essential if you:

  • Experience leg pain when walking (claudication)

  • Have cold, pale, or numb feet

  • Are diabetic or a smoker

  • Have high cholesterol or hypertension

  • Are over 50 with cardiovascular risk factors

 

What to Expect During the Scan

  • You’ll lie comfortably on an examination bed

  • A cuff is placed around your upper arm and both ankles

  • Using Doppler ultrasound, our clinician measures systolic pressures at each site

  • The result is a numerical index — your ABPI — used to identify vascular compromise

 

What the Results Mean

  • ABPI 1.0 – 1.3: Normal

  • ABPI 0.9 – 1.0: Acceptable, but borderline

  • ABPI 0.4 – 0.9: Mild to moderate arterial disease

  • ABPI < 0.4: Severe arterial obstruction (urgent referral recommended)

Our detailed report will be issued the same day, reviewed by a senior vascular scientist, and available to share with your GP or specialist.

 

Why Choose London Private Ultrasound for Your ABPI Scan?

✅ Scan performed by dedicated clinical vascular scientists
✅ Doppler-based accuracy — far superior to basic handheld devices
✅ Modern, calm clinic in Central London — no hospital queues
✅ Same-day results and fast onward referral if needed
✅ No GP referral required — self-book online or by phone

you may need to have an Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) ultrasound scan if you have any of the following: -Symptoms of PAD: Symptoms of PAD can include leg pain, especially when walking or exercising, leg cramps, numbness or tingling in the legs, cold feet, and skin ulcers on the legs or feet. -Risk factors for PAD: Risk factors for PAD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age (over 50), obesity, and family history of PAD. -History of heart disease or stroke: People with a history of heart disease or stroke are at increased risk for PAD. -Abnormal blood pressure readings in the legs: If your doctor detects abnormal blood pressure readings in your legs, they may recommend an ABPI ultrasound scan to further assess your circulation.
An Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) test includes the following: • Measuring the blood pressure in both ankles and both arms. • Calculating the ABPI ratio by dividing the ankle blood pressure by the arm blood pressure. • Interpreting the ABPI results to determine if there is any evidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
he most common findings of an Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) ultrasound scan are: -Normal ABPI: An ABPI of 1.0 or higher is considered normal. This means that the blood flow to the ankles is equal to or greater than the blood flow to the arms. -Abnormal ABPI: An ABPI of less than 0.9 is considered abnormal and may indicate peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is a condition in which the arteries in the legs become -narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the lower extremities. -Severe ABPI: An ABPI of 0.5 or less is considered severe PAD. This means that the blood flow to the ankles is significantly reduced compared to the blood flow to the arms. Other findings that may be seen on an ABPI ultrasound scan include: -Narrowing of the arteries: This can be caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries. -Blood clots in the arteries: These can block blood flow and lead to tissue damage. -Aneurysms (enlargements) of the arteries: These can weaken the arteries and increase the risk of rupture. -Dissections (tears) of the arteries: These can also block blood flow and lead to tissue damage.
For the Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) Ultrasound Scan, there are generally no specific preparations required. Patients can follow their regular routines, including eating, drinking, and taking medications as usual. The ABPI scan is a non-invasive and painless procedure that does not involve any needles or radiation.
A renal artery stenosis Doppler scan can help to diagnose RAS and to assess its severity. The test can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for RAS.
The following are some of the abnormalities and findings that may be seen on a renal artery stenosis Doppler scan: • Narrowing of the renal arteries • Decreased blood flow in the renal arteries • Turbulence in the blood flow • Blood clots in the renal arteries Aneurysms (enlargements) of the renal arteries
No, neither procedure is painful and does not require needles or radiation.
Generally, no special preparations are required. Patients can continue their regular routines, including eating, drinking, and taking medications.
You will receive your results verbally after the scan. Besides, the practitioner will examine the relevant images after your appointment and prepare a written report after your scan or within 24 hours with any recommended actions.
No, this test is entirely painless and does not involve any needles or radiation.
A low ABPI value may suggest reduced blood flow to the lower limbs, which can be indicative of conditions like Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
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