The Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is utilized primarily to evaluate what?

The Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is specifically designed to assess peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This test evaluates the blood flow in the lower extremities by comparing the blood pressure in the patient's ankle with the blood pressure in the arm. A significantly lower ankle pressure compared to arm pressure can indicate reduced blood flow due to narrowing or blockage in the peripheral arteries, a hallmark of PVD.

This makes the ABI a crucial tool for diagnosing conditions related to inadequate blood supply to the legs, which can result from atherosclerosis or other vascular diseases. The ABI can help determine the severity of PVD, guiding further evaluation and management.

Other options, while relevant to vascular health, do not directly relate to the function of the ABI. Heart function is typically assessed through other means, such as echocardiograms or stress tests. Carotid artery stenosis is evaluated using different imaging techniques like Doppler ultrasound or angiography. Pulmonary function tests measure respiratory status, not arterial blood flow. Therefore, option B is accurate in identifying the primary clinical purpose of the ABI.