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FFR (Fractional Flow Reserve) is a technique used to measure the pressure difference within the coronary arteries in order to assess the severity of arterial narrowing. This method plays a critical role in determining whether a patient should undergo balloon angioplasty or coronary stent placement. 
FFR is typically performed alongside coronary angiography. During the procedure, a thin pressure wire is inserted through the blood vessel and guided to the area of narrowing. It measures blood pressure before and after the stenotic segment to provide a more accurate evaluation of the lesion’s impact on blood flow. 
&nbsp;
<h2>Why is FFR Important? </h2>
While coronary angiography can show narrowed arteries, the degree of narrowing seen on imaging doesn’t always correlate with the severity of symptoms. FFR helps answer critical questions, such as: 
<ul>
<li>Is the narrowed segment severe enough to require angioplasty or stent placement? </li>
<li>Would medication alone be sufficient for treatment? </li>
<li>Can unnecessary procedures—like placing a stent in a lesion that isn’t significantly obstructive—be avoided? </li>
</ul>
A normal FFR value is 1.0. If the FFR reading falls below 0.80, it indicates a functionally significant blockage that affects blood flow, and interventional treatment should be considered. 
&nbsp;
<h2>FFR Procedure Steps </h2>
<ol>
<li>Begin with a coronary angiogram to visualize the coronary arteries. </li>
<li>Insert a pressure wire into the coronary artery, guiding it to the area of narrowing. </li>
<li>Administer a medication such as Adenosine to stimulate maximal blood flow. </li>
<li>Measure blood pressure before and after the narrowed segment. </li>
<li>Calculate the FFR value to determine whether further treatment is necessary. </li>
</ol>
The FFR procedure is relatively quick, and patients can typically resume normal activities shortly after the test. 
&nbsp;
<h2>Benefits of FFR Testing </h2>
<ul>
<li>Improves treatment decision accuracy </li>
<li>Reduces unnecessary stent placement, minimizing the risks associated with long-term use of blood-thinning medications </li>
<li>Lowers the risk of long-term complications </li>
<li>Proven to reduce the incidence of heart attacks and mortality rates </li>
</ul>
 
<h2> Who Should Consider FFR Testing? </h2>
<ul>
<li>Patients with moderate coronary artery narrowing (50–70%), where stent placement is being considered </li>
<li>Individuals who experience chest pain but whose coronary angiography results are inconclusive </li>
<li>Patients planning to undergo coronary angioplasty, to accurately assess the need for intervention </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>Comparison Between FFR and Other Coronary Artery Evaluation Methods </h2>
<table data-tablestyle="MsoNormalTable" data-tablelook="1184" aria-rowcount="3">
<tbody>
<tr aria-rowindex="1">
<td data-celllook="4369">Method </td>
<td data-celllook="4369">Advantages </td>
<td data-celllook="4369">Limitations </td>
</tr>
<tr aria-rowindex="2">
<td data-celllook="4369">Coronary Angiography </td>
<td data-celllook="4369">Provides real-time imaging of the coronary arteries </td>
<td data-celllook="4369">Cannot accurately assess the functional impact on blood flow </td>
</tr>
<tr aria-rowindex="3">
<td data-celllook="4369">FFR (Fractional Flow Reserve) </td>
<td data-celllook="4369">Accurately evaluates the true impact on blood flow; high diagnostic value </td>
<td data-celllook="4369">Requires special pressure wire and medication to induce hyperemia </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
Measuring coronary artery pressure enhances the accuracy of diagnosing coronary artery disease. It helps reduce unnecessary treatments and significantly improves the effectiveness of patient care. 
If you or your loved one is facing coronary artery issues, discussing FFR testing with a cardiologist can be a valuable step toward determining the most appropriate and effective treatment plan.

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is an advanced diagnostic technique used to measure coronary artery pressure and assess the severity of arterial blockages. By providing functional data beyond standard angiography, FFR helps cardiologists make accurate treatment decisions—reducing unnecessary stent placement and improving patient outcomes in coronary artery disease. 

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What is FFR? Why Measuring Coronary Artery Pressure is Crucial in Heart Disease Treatment

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