If a patient shows an ankle/brachial index of 1.02, what does this imply?

An ankle/brachial index (ABI) of 1.02 is generally interpreted as being within the normal range for arterial health. The ABI is a simple ratio used to assess the blood flow and to detect peripheral artery disease (PAD). A normal ABI typically ranges from 1.0 to 1.4, which indicates that the blood flow to the limbs is sufficient.

With an ABI of 1.02 specifically, it implies that the patient does not have significant arterial obstruction or stenosis, and, therefore, suggests that normal arterial health is present rather than indicating incomplete vascular evaluation. The measurement of 1.02 means that the patient's right foot is receiving adequate blood flow in comparison to the arm, and thus, claudication or other signs of vascular compromise are unlikely to be present.

This means that the interpretation of the ABI aligns with normal arterial health and not an incomplete evaluation. Therefore, the correct understanding of an ABI of 1.02 supports a conclusion of normal arterial condition, ruling out significant vascular issues.