What does an ABI of greater than or equal to 1.3 suggest?

An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) of greater than or equal to 1.3 indicates the presence of calcified vessels. In healthy individuals, an ABI typically ranges from 1.0 to 1.4, which suggests normal blood flow with no significant arterial obstruction. However, when the ABI exceeds 1.3, it often points to vascular calcification, commonly seen in conditions such as diabetes, where arteries become stiff and non-compressible.

This high reading can complicate the interpretation of peripheral artery disease (PAD) because it reflects changes in vessel compliance rather than flow. Such calcified vessels may lead to inaccurately elevated ABI values, which can mask underlying ischemic conditions and make it challenging to assess true arterial health. Hence, a value of 1.3 or more is primarily indicative of vascular calcification rather than normal blood flow or obstruction.