What ABI value is indicative of severe arterial disease with rest pain?

An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) value of 0.5 is indicative of severe arterial disease with rest pain. The ABI is a critical measurement used to assess blood flow in the lower extremities and to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD).

In this context, an ABI value less than 0.5 reflects significantly compromised blood flow, which is often emblematic of advanced arterial occlusion. Patients with such low ABI readings typically experience symptoms, including rest pain, particularly in the feet or legs, even at rest. This severity highlights the critical need for further medical intervention, as it suggests a substantial risk for tissue ischemia and potential limb-threatening conditions if not addressed.

Other ABI values, such as 1.0, 0.7, or 1.5, do not indicate severe arterial disease. A value of 1.0 is considered normal, indicating adequate blood flow. A value of 0.7 shows mild to moderate arterial disease, which may cause intermittent claudication but not pain at rest. An ABI of 1.5 typically suggests the presence of non-compressible vessels, often due to calcified arteries, which can also reflect severe disease but not necessarily in the context of rest pain.