Why Greater Precision Matters: A Clearer, More Precise Diagnosis of Heart Disease
Traditional cardiac imaging focuses primarily on visible narrowing of blood vessels or calcified plaque. While important, these findings alone may not fully represent the presence or severity of coronary artery disease.
HeartFlow Plaque Analysis enhances coronary CT imaging by quantifying all plaque types, including soft and mixed plaque that may not yet cause significant narrowing but still represent active disease. This allows Cone Health providers to:
- Confirm or rule out coronary artery disease more confidently
- Better characterize disease severity, even in earlier stages
- Select treatments that match the patient’s true disease burden
What HeartFlow Plaque Analysis Adds to Diagnosis
HeartFlow Plaque Analysis goes beyond identifying blockages. It measures:
- Total plaque burden
- Plaque composition (calcified, non‑calcified, low‑attenuation)
- Distribution of disease across the coronary arteries
By combining this information with coronary CT imaging, Cone Health physicians gain enhanced diagnostic clarity, especially in patients with subtle, diffuse or early-stage coronary disease.
Improving Care Precision
More precise diagnosis leads to more precise care.
With HeartFlow Plaque Analysis, Cone Health cardiologists can:
- Differentiate mild, moderate and extensive coronary disease more accurately
- Match treatment intensity to disease severity rather than symptoms alone
- Avoid both under-treatment and unnecessary invasive procedures
- Personalize medical therapy, lifestyle recommendations and follow-up plans
This aligns with Cone Health’s commitment to deliver the right care, at the right time, for the right patient.
How It Works with Other Advanced Cardiac Imaging
Complementary to CT‑FFR
HeartFlow Plaque Analysis is often used alongside CT-FFR (Computed Tomography – Fractional Flow Reserve) when appropriate.
- CT‑FFR evaluates how coronary disease affects blood flow
- Plaque Analysis evaluates the nature and extent of the disease itself
Together, these tools provide a comprehensive view of coronary artery disease—combining anatomy, physiology, and plaque biology to support more informed clinical decisions.
Clinical Leadership & Evidence
Cone Health Heart & Vascular Center played a leadership role as the first site in the national DECIDE Registry, which is evaluating how AI‑enabled plaque analysis influences diagnostic confidence and treatment decisions.
Clinical studies show that adding plaque quantification to coronary CT imaging frequently leads to more refined diagnoses and adjustments in patient management, reflecting a clearer understanding of disease severity and risk.
