What is Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)?

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is a specialized heart procedure used to check how well blood is flowing through the arteries that supply the heart (coronary arteries). Doctors use FFR during a coronary angiography procedure to measure whether a blockage in a heart artery is severe enough to reduce blood flow to the heart muscle.

Why is this Procedure Important?

Some heart artery blockages may look severe on scans but may not actually reduce blood flow significantly. On the other hand, some moderate-looking blockages can seriously affect blood supply to the heart.

FFR Helps Doctors

• Decide whether a patient needs a stent or angioplasty
• Avoid unnecessary procedures
• Improve treatment accuracy
• Reduce chest pain and heart-related symptoms
• Lower the risk of future heart complications

Which Conditions is FFR Used For?

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Chest pain (angina)
• Suspected heart artery blockage

Risk Factors for CAD

• Older age
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity

Common Symptoms

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Pain spreading to arm, neck, jaw, or back
• Reduced exercise capacity

Treatment Options

Lifestyle and Medical Management

• Heart-healthy diet
• Exercise
• Weight management
• Stopping smoking
• Cholesterol-lowering medicines
• Blood pressure medicines
• Diabetes control
• Blood-thinning medicines

When is FFR Needed?

• Coronary angiography shows moderate artery narrowing
• It is unclear whether a blockage needs treatment
• There are symptoms despite medications

FFR helps decide whether medicines alone are enough, or whether a stent or angioplasty is needed.

Procedure Overview & Preparation

What is Done During FFR?

FFR is performed during coronary angiography. A very thin pressure-monitoring wire is passed through the heart artery to measure blood flow before and after a blockage. The test compares blood pressure on both sides of the narrowing to determine how much the blockage is affecting blood supply.

Before the Procedure

• Avoid eating or drinking for several hours
• Inform the doctor about all medicines
• Mention allergies, especially to contrast dye
• Continue or stop certain medicines as advised
• Undergo blood tests and ECG

Benefits and Expected Outcomes

• Avoid unnecessary stent placement
• Identify blockages truly affecting blood flow
• Improve treatment planning
• Reduce symptoms and improve quality of life
• Improve long-term heart outcomes in selected patients

Hospital Stay & Recovery

During Hospital Stay

• Heart rhythm monitoring
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Watch for bleeding from insertion site
• Watch for chest pain or breathing difficulty

Most patients go home the same day or within 24 hours.

Recovery Timeline

Most patients recover quickly and return to normal activities within 1–2 days.

Long-Term Care

Even if no stent is needed, lifestyle changes and medicines remain important to control heart disease. Regular follow-up helps monitor symptoms and heart health.

Healthy Habits for Heart Protection

• Eat a low-fat, heart-healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Stop smoking
• Control diabetes and blood pressure
• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Reduce stress
• Attend regular heart check-ups

Myths vs Facts

Frequently Asked Questions