Smart ABI Testing in New Canaan, CT
What Is Smart ABI Testing?
Smart ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) testing is a 10-minute, painless screening that compares blood pressure at your ankle to blood pressure at your arm to check circulation to your legs and feet. It’s the primary tool New Canaan Podiatry uses to detect peripheral artery disease (PAD), especially in diabetic patients and anyone with a history of slow-healing wounds.Â
Call (203) 548-7688 to schedule an evaluation.
Why Circulation Testing Matters
Peripheral artery disease develops when plaque builds up inside the artery walls and restricts blood flow to the legs and feet. It affects an estimated 8 million Americans, and the tricky part is that it often causes no symptoms at all in the early stages, which is exactly why objective testing matters more than waiting for warning signs.
Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, orders Smart ABI testing as part of a broader vascular workup for patients at risk of circulation problems, particularly those managing diabetes.
What Untreated PAD Can Lead To
1
Foot ulcers and wounds that heal slowly or don't heal at all
2
Higher risk of infection, and in advanced cases, gangrene
3
Amputation risk in limb-threatening scenarios
4
Elevated risk of heart attack and stroke, since PAD reflects arterial disease elsewhere in the body too
Patients with diabetes or neuropathy face extra risk here. Numbness can mask circulation problems until real damage has already occurred, so we lean toward testing rather than waiting to see symptoms develop.
What Happens During the Test
You’ll have blood pressure cuffs placed on your arms and ankles, and we’ll take pressure readings at each site with a Doppler ultrasound device. Comparing ankle pressure to arm pressure produces your ABI score, which tells us how well blood is reaching your lower legs and feet. No needles, no radiation, no real discomfort beyond the normal squeeze of a blood pressure cuff, and the whole thing fits into a regular office visit.
How Testing Fits Into Your Broader Care
Smart ABI is a screening step, not the end of the conversation. When results point to PAD or reduced circulation, Dr. Tauber addresses the underlying risk factors directly and layers in supportive care such as wound management, custom orthotics, and diabetic footwear to protect feet that are already vulnerable. If your case needs more advanced vascular treatment, she’ll refer you to the right specialist rather than manage it beyond her scope.
1+
Years Serving Fairfield County
Who Should Get Tested
Smart ABI testing is worth doing if you:
Have diabetes or pre-diabetes
Currently smoke or used to
Get leg pain, cramping, or fatigue when you walk (claudication)
Have a wound, sore, or ulcer on your foot or leg that isn't healing normally
Notice your feet feel unusually cold, numb, or discolored
Have a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease
Are being evaluated for limb salvage or advanced wound care
Your Questions, Answered
Call (203) 548-7688 or request an appointment online.
What counts as a normal ABI score?
Normal falls between 1.0 and 1.4. Below 0.9 points to peripheral artery disease, and the lower the number, the more significant the blockage tends to be. Above 1.4 can indicate arterial stiffness, which matters clinically too, especially for diabetic patients.
Will my insurance cover this test?
Usually, yes, when it’s medically indicated, such as for diabetic patients, anyone showing PAD symptoms, or non-healing wounds. It’s worth a quick call to your insurance provider before your visit to confirm your specific plan covers it.
How long is the appointment?
About 10 minutes for the test itself, and it’s typically done right during a regular office visit. No special prep needed.
Is it painful?
No. You’ll feel cuff pressure on your arms and ankles, the same sensation as a normal blood pressure check, nothing more.
Does this test catch every circulation problem?
It’s a strong screening tool for significant PAD, but it’s one piece of a larger vascular picture. Depending on what we find, Dr. Tauber may follow up with diagnostic ultrasound or refer you out for further vascular imaging.
What happens if my score comes back abnormal?
Dr. Tauber will walk you through what it means and build a plan from there, which could include lifestyle changes, coordinating with your primary care doctor or a vascular specialist, and closer monitoring of your foot health going forward. Diabetic patients especially benefit from tighter follow-up.
Can poor circulation actually be improved?
In many cases, yes. Quitting smoking, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, keeping blood sugar controlled, and staying active can all move the needle. Severe blockages may still need vascular intervention, but Dr. Tauber will map out what makes sense based on your specific ABI results.
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