Self Pay Services – Individual Health Service

ABI – Measurement (Ankle-Brachial-Index)

The Situation

The frequency of the arterial occlusive disease is higher than expected by far. If thevessels in the legs are constricted this is often also an indication for a vessel constriction of the coronary arteries.

However, many affected people do not know that their vessels are in distress. In many cases the arteries are already damaged but do not yet cause any pain, which is typically known as Window Shoppers Disease (just like during window shopping one stops and looks, but not for looking but because of pain in the legs). This disease is often undetected for a considerable time, but an early diagnosis would help avoid complications like vascular occlusion, heart attacks or strokes.

The Solution

The blood pressure at your ankles and at your arms is measured by means of a simple and quick (doppler-) ultrasound exam. With the doppler-sonografy the bloodflow is made visible. Additionally the echo creates a sound with which the doctor can exactly judge the speed of blood flow. The calculated ABI-Quotient (Ankle-Arm-Index = Ankle-Brachial-Index, ABI) provides significant indications: If the calculated ABI-Quotient is strongly diminished the leg arteries are damaged with a high probability and indicate a vascular occlusion. Further medical exams will be then introduced.

The ABI-Measurement is not included in the pay schedule of the early care exams of the statutury health insurance companies.

The preventive ABI-Measurement is therefore billed for as individual health services according to the guidelines of the medical fee schedule.

Our prevention offer for you

The earlier vessel changes are detected, the more effective you, together with your doctor, can treat them.

We measure your arteriosclerosis-/calcification risk by way of the ankle – arm - Index (ABIIndex). If you take the danger seriously and take precautions during the symptomless times you have a good chance to avoid a heart attack, by 95%.

When is an ABI–Measurement recommended?

• elderly patients as regular preventive measures
• high blood pressure
• elevated blood lipid levels
• increased congenital risk
• Circulation is life

The earlier vessel changes are detected the more effectively you can counter them.

Preliminary talk, clinical exam, small lab check of the vessel risk factors, ultrasound exam of the pelvic- and leg arteries, Doppler pressure measurement, consultation and review / treatment suggestions and report.

Leg Artery-Check-Flyer (.pdf)