Heartflow FFR-CT Analysis

Your consultant may recommend Heartflow if you have symptoms or test results that suggest coronary artery disease.

Symptoms and reasons for referral may include:

• chest pain or chest tightness

• shortness of breath during activity

• unexplained fatigue

• abnormal ECG or exercise test results

• a family history of heart disease

• known coronary artery narrowing on a CT scan

• ongoing symptoms despite previous normal tests

Heartflow is particularly useful for assessing whether a narrowing seen on a CT scan is actually reducing blood flow enough to require treatment.

In some cases, the test may help patients avoid unnecessary invasive angiograms.

Heartflow FFR-CT Analysis itself does not involve an additional physical procedure. The assessment is created using images from a coronary CT angiography scan.

Before the CT scan, a member of the clinical team may check your heart rate and blood pressure. You may be given medication to manage your heart rate, as this helps produce clearer images.

You may also receive a contrast dye through a small cannula inserted into a vein in your arm. The contrast allows the coronary arteries to be seen more clearly during the scan.

During the CT scan:

1. You’ll lie on a scanning table that moves through the CT scanner.

2. Sticky ECG leads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat.

3. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time.

4. The scanner will take detailed images of your heart and coronary arteries.

The CT scan itself takes only a few minutes, although the overall appointment will be longer to allow time for preparation and monitoring. Once completed, the CT images are securely analysed using Heartflow technology. Your consultant then reviews the results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and any other test findings.

Heartflow offers several advantages compared with traditional invasive investigations.

Potential benefits include:

• non-invasive assessment without the need for catheter insertion

• highly accurate evaluation of coronary blood flow

• reduced need for invasive angiography in some patients

• faster diagnosis and treatment planning

• improved understanding of whether artery narrowing is clinically significant

• no recovery time following the scan

• lower risk of complications compared with invasive procedures

Heartflow can also help your consultant decide whether medication alone may be appropriate or whether further treatment is likely to be beneficial.

Heartflow FFR-CT Analysis uses images from an existing coronary CT angiography scan, so it does not involve additional radiation, contrast injections, or invasive procedures. However, the CTCA scan itself carries some risks, which may include:

• exposure to a small amount of radiation during the CT scan

• allergic reaction to contrast dye, although this is rare

• temporary flushing sensation from the contrast injection

• contrast dye affecting kidney function in people with severe kidney disease

• the possibility that further tests may still be needed

Your consultant will carefully assess whether the test is suitable for you before arranging the scan.

Your consultant or imaging team will provide personalised instructions before your appointment.

You may be advised to:

• avoid caffeine for several hours before the scan

• avoid smoking on the day of the test

• continue or temporarily stop certain medications, depending on your medical history

• drink water before your appointment unless advised otherwise

• wear comfortable clothing

It’s important to tell your consultant if you:

• are pregnant or think you may be pregnant

• have asthma

• have kidney disease

• have diabetes

• have previously reacted to contrast dye

Most patients can return home following their appointment, although your clinical team will advise if any precautions are needed if any medication was administered during the scan.

There’s usually no recovery time needed after a CT coronary angiography scan.

Most patients feel completely normal immediately after the appointment and can return to their usual daily activities.

You may be advised to drink extra fluids afterwards to help flush the contrast dye from your body.

Your consultant will review the Heartflow FFR-CT Analysis alongside your CT scan results and discuss the findings with you at a follow-up appointment. Depending on the outcome, they may recommend:

• lifestyle changes to improve heart health

• medication to reduce cardiovascular risk

• further cardiac testing

• referral for coronary angiography

• procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery

At Welbeck, your consultant will explain your results clearly and guide you through the next steps of your care plan.

The cost of private Heartflow FFR-CT Analysis can vary depending on whether additional imaging or consultations are required.

Please contact our Heart Health centre or Imaging & Diagnostics centre for the latest pricing information and available appointment options.

If you have private health insurance, your care at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients.

At Welbeck, our cardiology and imaging specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a Heartflow FFR-CT Analysis, you’ll need a referral from either your GP or a cardiology specialist following a consultation.

If you’d like to arrange a consultation with a Welbeck cardiology specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients.