CT Fractional Flow Reverse (CT-FFR)

CT-FFR Offers Precision Diagnosis

Your heart works hard every second of your life — and when blood flow is limited, your heart may not function the way it should. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading reasons for this problem and affects millions of adults in the United States. In fact, heart disease remains the number one cause of death nationwide.

At Cone Health Heart & Vascular, we offer one of the most advanced and accurate ways to evaluate heart disease: CT-FFR (Computed Tomography – Fractional Flow Reserve).

What is CT-FFR?

• CT-FFR combines a specialized heart scan with artificial intelligence analysis and 3D modeling to show how blood flows through the coronary arteries.
• CT-FFR shows whether a blockage is actually reducing blood flow — the key factor that determines whether treatment is needed.
• This test gives doctors a clearer picture of your heart health while reducing the need for more invasive procedures.

Who May Benefit From CT-FFR?

Your doctor may recommend CT-FFR if you:

• Experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, or unexplained indigestion
• Have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of heart problems
• Received unclear results from another heart test

If you believe you are at risk, talk with your primary care physician or cardiologist. They can help determine whether CT-FFR is the right step for you. Many insurance providers cover CT-FFR, making it a widely accessible option for patients.

What to Expect During the Test

1. The process starts with a CT coronary angiogram, which takes place on an outpatient basis.
2. A small IV is placed in your arm to deliver a contrast dye, helping your arteries appear clearly on the scan.
3. The CT machine gathers detailed images of your heart in just minutes.
4. If a narrowing is suspected, your scan is sent for advanced HeartFlow® analysis. This creates a 3D digital model of your heart and arteries, showing exactly how well blood is flowing through and beyond the blockage.

Why Choose Cone Health for CT-FFR

Cone Health was one of the country’s earliest adopters of CT-FFR imaging and analysis technology and remains a national leader in the advancement of CT-FFR. Cone Health cardiologists have a unique depth of experience in the use of CT-FFR, providing expert insight nationally about its optimal use and benefits.

Providing specialized expertise, our cardiologists can:

• Design individualized treatment plans
• Diagnose heart disease earlier and more precisely
• Reduce the need for invasive testing
• Guide minimally invasive procedures when necessary

CT-FFR’s delivery of precise information on the percent of artery blockage, combined with information on the location, type and size of blockages, improves tailored care plans for patients, enables us to slow or prevent further heart disease development and, when necessary, provides insights to plan more precise minimally invasive treatments to open blockages. 

CT-FFR is a safer, more precise way to determine whether blocked arteries are affecting your blood flow. At Cone Health, we are national leaders in using this technology to provide answers — and peace of mind — for our patients. Choose Cone Health if your primary care provider or cardiologist recommends CT-FFR for you.