An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) assessment is a painless, non-invasive test that evaluates blood flow to the legs and arterial stiffness. At Cardiology Center Zacharias Kounnis in Limassol, results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history and cardiovascular risk factors to support early detection and personalised cardiovascular prevention.

What Are ABI and Pulse Wave Velocity?

Although ABI and PWV are performed as part of the same vascular assessment, they measure different aspects of arterial health.

Ankle-Brachial Index

The Ankle-Brachial Index compares the blood pressure measured at the ankle with the blood pressure measured in the arm.

A lower-than-expected ABI may indicate narrowing or blockage in the arteries supplying the legs, known as peripheral arterial disease or PAD. PAD can reduce circulation to the lower limbs and is also associated with a higher overall risk of heart attack and stroke.

Pulse Wave Velocity

Pulse Wave Velocity measures how quickly a pressure wave travels through the arteries.

More flexible arteries generally allow the pulse wave to travel more slowly, while stiffer arteries usually transmit it more quickly. PWV therefore provides clinically useful information about arterial stiffness and vascular ageing.

The result must always be interpreted in relation to factors such as age, blood pressure, medical history and the measurement method used.

Why Combine ABI and PWV?

ABI and PWV provide complementary information.

ABI evaluates circulation to the legs and helps identify possible peripheral arterial disease. PWV evaluates the stiffness and elasticity of the arteries.

Together, they can help our cardiology team:

• Detect signs of reduced blood flow to the legs.
• Assess arterial stiffness and vascular ageing.
• Identify patients who may require further vascular investigation.
• Improve individual cardiovascular risk assessment.
• Establish a baseline for monitoring vascular health.
• Evaluate changes following treatment or lifestyle improvements.

Neither test should be interpreted alone. Results are considered together with your symptoms, physical examination, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and other cardiovascular findings.

Who May Benefit from an ABI and PWV Assessment?

Your cardiologist may recommend this vascular assessment if you have:

• Leg pain or cramping when walking.
• Coldness, numbness or weakness in the feet or legs.
• Wounds on the feet or legs that are slow to heal.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes or prediabetes.
• High cholesterol.
• Obesity or metabolic syndrome.
• A current or previous smoking history.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• A family history of cardiovascular disease.
• Previous heart disease, stroke or peripheral arterial disease.

It may also be used as part of preventive cardiology or to monitor how vascular health changes following treatment and lifestyle interventions.

What Happens During the Examination?

You will normally be asked to rest quietly before the measurements begin. Blood pressure cuffs and non-invasive sensors are then used to record pressures and pulse-wave information from different areas of the body.

The examination:

• Does not require needles.
• Does not use radiation.
• Does not require contrast material.
• Is generally painless, although the cuffs may feel briefly tight.
• Can be completed during an outpatient appointment.

After the measurements, the results are reviewed within the context of your overall cardiovascular health.

What Do the Results Mean?

An abnormal ABI may suggest reduced blood flow caused by narrowing or blockage in the arteries of the legs. A higher PWV may indicate increased arterial stiffness.

However, an individual result does not automatically establish a diagnosis. Normal results do not exclude every vascular condition, particularly when symptoms or significant risk factors are present.

If necessary, your cardiologist may recommend further assessment, such as vascular ultrasound, blood tests, cardiac imaging or additional cardiovascular investigations.

How Should I Prepare?

The clinic will provide any instructions required for your appointment.

Unless specifically advised otherwise:

• Continue prescribed medication normally.
• Do not stop cardiovascular medication without medical advice.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the arms and ankles.
• Inform the team about previous vascular procedures or circulation problems.

You may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise, smoking, caffeine or a large meal shortly before the examination to support consistent measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ABI and PWV the same test?

No. ABI evaluates the relationship between blood pressure in the ankle and arm to assess circulation to the legs. PWV measures the speed of the arterial pulse wave to evaluate arterial stiffness.

Is the examination painful?

The examination is non-invasive and generally painless. You may feel temporary pressure when the blood pressure cuffs inflate.

Can ABI detect peripheral arterial disease before symptoms appear?

ABI can identify signs of reduced circulation in some people who have few or no obvious symptoms. The result must still be interpreted alongside risk factors, symptoms and clinical examination.

What is vascular age?

Vascular age is a way of describing how the condition and stiffness of the arteries compare with what may normally be expected for a person’s age. PWV can contribute to this assessment, but it should not be treated as a standalone diagnosis or exact prediction of future health.

Can these tests show whether treatment is working?

Repeated measurements may help monitor changes in arterial stiffness and circulation over time. Results should be compared under appropriate measurement conditions and interpreted together with blood pressure, laboratory results and other clinical findings.

How do I choose the best cardiologist in Cyprus for vascular assessment?

Look for a cardiologist who combines vascular measurements with a complete cardiovascular evaluation rather than interpreting one number in isolation. The assessment should consider your symptoms, medical history, medications and risk factors and provide clear recommendations for prevention, treatment or further testing.

ABI and PWV Testing in Limassol, Cyprus

Cardiology Center Zacharias Kounnis provides ABI and Pulse Wave Velocity assessment in Limassol as part of its personalised preventive and cardiovascular care services.

For patients searching for a cardiologist in Cyprus, our approach combines non-invasive vascular testing with clinical evaluation and evidence-based cardiovascular risk management.

Schedule Your Vascular Health Assessment

Early vascular changes may develop before noticeable symptoms appear. An ABI and PWV assessment can provide useful information about leg circulation, arterial stiffness and your wider cardiovascular risk.

Contact Cardiology Center Zacharias Kounnis to schedule an appointment or ask whether ABI and Pulse Wave Velocity testing is appropriate for you.