Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. CAD develops when arteries leading to the heart narrow or become blocked, which may lead to a reduction in blood flow, causing chest pain, heart attack and death. Despite being the most common form of heart disease, some noninvasive tests available today have low accuracy rates in detecting CAD.
The Valley Hospital is advancing the diagnosis of CAD with HeartFlow Analysis, an innovative, noninvasive form of cardiac imaging.
What Is HeartFlow Analysis?
This noninvasive heart test provides a personalized 3D model of your coronary arteries that shows how each blockage impacts blood flow to your heart. This detailed information, which was previously only available through an invasive procedure, helps your doctor determine the next step in your treatment plan.
HeartFlow Analysis enables physicians to accurately differentiate patients in need of coronary stenting or bypass surgery from those who can be managed with medications alone. The Valley Hospital is cited by HeartFlow as both a regional and national leader, placing among the top 2% in the northeast region and top 5% nationally, based on HeartFlow’s 2023 data.
“Historically, we have been faced with either using tests that were occasionally inaccurate, or putting a patient through an invasive procedure just to determine whether they would need another invasive procedure to restore blood flow. HeartFlow Analysis provides essential information that can help us determine the right approach for a patient through a convenient, noninvasive platform. This is game-changing technology for our patients, and I am proud of our program’s high-volume use of this tool.”
-Dr. Himanshu Gupta, Director of Valley’s Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Program
How HeartFlow Analysis Works
First, your doctor will order a coronary CT scan to look for blockages. If it is determined that additional information is needed for a diagnosis, your doctor may order a HeartFlow Analysis. This does not require another appointment.
Using your CT scan, HeartFlow creates a personalized digital 3D model of your coronary arteries. It then uses powerful computer algorithms to simulate blood flow and assess the impact of blockages on blood flow to the heart.
Within hours, the HeartFlow Analysis is provided to the patient’s physician via a secure web interface and provides information on the extent of a patient’s arterial blockage and the impact the blockage has on blood flow to the heart. If the flow is normal, the patient need not undergo additional invasive tests or procedures.
Benefits of HeartFlow Analysis
- Improved accuracy: HeartFlow Analysis provides a more detailed view of the significance of your coronary artery blockage than a standard coronary CT scan.
- Noninvasive: This noninvasive heart test serves no additional risk to you. HeartFlow technology uses regular CT scans at an advanced level.
- Minimized follow-up: HeartFlow technology reduces the need for follow-up testing and additional evaluation, creating less hassle for the patient.
- Treatment plan: This advanced technology helps your doctor better determine the appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
For more information on HeartFlow Analysis or to schedule an appointment, call 201-447-8008.
