This exam is done to determine the presence of arterial disease between the abdomen and the ankles. A ratio is calculated between the blood pressure in the arms and the blood pressure in the ankles which tells the doctor if arterial disease is present. During this exam you will lie on your back while the ultrasound technologist takes the blood pressure in both arms and both ankles. You will then be asked to walk on a treadmill for 5 minutes, after which you will again lie down. The technologist will then take the blood pressure in one of your arms and both of your ankles. If you are unable to walk on the treadmill, you may be asked to do toe stands. If you are unable to complete any exercise, the technologist will take a blood pressure in each of your big toes.
Blood pressure measurement of an ankle artery