FFR (Fractional Flow Reserve)

FFR stands for Fractional Flow Reserve. It is a technique used in cardiology to measure the pressure differences across a coronary artery blockage to assess the severity of theblockage and whether it is significantly affecting blood flow to the heart.

What is FFR used for?

Assessing Blockages: FFR is primarily used during a coronary angiography procedure to determine whether a blockage in a coronary artery is severe enough to require treatment, such as angioplasty or stenting.
Determining the Need for Intervention: Not all blockages cause significant problems for blood flow. FFR helps doctors decide which blockages are critical and should be treated, and which ones can be safelymonitored without immediate intervention.

How does FFR work?

Procedure: During a coronary angiography, a small pressure sensor is attached to a catheter and inserted into the coronary artery.
Pressure Measurement: The sensor measures the pressure before and after the blockage in the artery.
FFR Calculation: The FFR value is calculated by comparing the blood pressure before the blockage to the pressure after the blockage. An FFR value of 1.0 means normal blood flow, and values below 0.80 are generally considered to indicate that the blockage is severe enough to affect heart function and may require treatment.

FFR Values and Their Meaning:

FFR ≥ 0.80: Generally,indicates that the blockage is not severely restricting blood flow and may not need immediate treatment.
FFR < 0.80: Suggests that the blockage is causing significant restriction of blood flow and may benefit from treatment, like angioplasty or stenting.

Why is FFR important?

Accurate Diagnosis: FFR helps doctors make more precise decisions about whether a blockage needs to be treated, avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Improves Outcomes: By targeting only the blockages that truly affect heart function, FFR helps improve the overall success of heart procedures and patient outcomes.

In summary, FFR is a test that helps doctors evaluate how much a coronary artery blockage is impacting heart function, allowing them to decide whether treatment is necessary.