An ABI value greater than 1.30 indicates what finding?

• A. Noncompressible arteries
• B. Normal arterial status
• C. Severe PAD
• D. Low ankle pressure

Answer: (A)

An ABI above 1.30 suggests noncompressible arteries due to medial calcification. When the arterial walls are stiff and calcified, the blood vessels won’t compress with the cuff, so the ankle pressure is measured higher than it truly is. This makes the ABI appear normal or even elevated despite possible poor perfusion, masking PAD. That's why this finding points to noncompressible, calcified arteries rather than normal arteries or severe PAD (which would drive the value downward). In practice, if the ABI is that high, clinicians often turn to toe-brachial index or alternative imaging to assess limb perfusion.