Question:

The Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is artificially increased in which of the following?

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Non-compressible, stiff vessel walls give a falsely high ankle pressure.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Arteriosclerosis with calcified arteries
  • Ischemic ulcers
  • Intermittent claudication
  • DVT
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is the ratio of the systolic blood pressure measured at the ankle to that measured in the upper arm. It is used to quantify peripheral vascular disease from advanced atherosclerosis.
Step 2: A low ankle pressure relative to the arm (low ABPI) indicates blocked arteries from peripheral artery disease. So genuine ischemia lowers the index.
Step 3: When the ankle arteries are heavily calcified (arteriosclerosis, as in diabetes or chronic kidney disease), the vessel wall becomes non-compressible. The cuff cannot occlude it, so a falsely high ankle pressure is recorded and the ABPI is artificially raised. Hence option (a).
Step 4: Ischemic ulcers and intermittent claudication reflect true PAD and lower the ABPI, while DVT is a venous problem that does not characteristically inflate the index. So calcified arteries are the answer.
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