CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
HeartFlow® FFRCT
- No.1 private cardiac provider in the UK
- Test results with your specialist within 48 hours
- 99% of cardiac patients would recommend us to their friends or family
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HeartFlow® FFRCT at HCA UK
Why choose us
If you’re worried about chest pain or breathlessness, we’re here to help. As the UK’s leading private cardiac care provider, we’ve supported over 79,000 patients in the past three years. We use advanced, non-invasive HeartFlow® FFRCT technology to create 3D models of your heart to help detect blockages quickly.
With rapid access to appointments with our 235 expert cardiologists, same-day scans, and results within 48 hours, you’ll get clear answers fast. That’s why 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us.
A HeartFlow® FFRCT is a safe, non-invasive test that uses your CT scan to create a detailed 3D model of your heart’s arteries. It uses advanced mathematical equations to measure blood pressure and blood flow in your coronary arteries to help your cardiac specialists detect whether any blockages are restricting oxygen supply to your heart muscle.
This revolutionary technology combines high-quality imaging with intelligent analysis to give you a clear, personalised understanding of your heart health, supporting faster diagnosis, more accurate treatment decisions and complete peace of mind.
This revolutionary technology combines high-quality imaging with intelligent analysis to give you a clear, personalised understanding of your heart health, supporting faster diagnosis, more accurate treatment decisions and complete peace of mind.
Your cardiac specialist may recommend a HeartFlow® FFRCT test if they suspect coronary artery disease or if your CT scan shows narrowing in your coronary arteries. It helps identify whether these narrow arteries are restricting blood flow and require treatment.
Common symptoms or conditions include:
- Chest pain, pressure or discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath or unexplained tiredness
- Pain spreading to your arm, neck, jaw or back
- High cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure
- Abnormal ECG results or inconclusive stress test findings
A HeartFlow® FFRCT allows your cardiac specialist to see how well blood flows through your arteries and helps guide safe, effective treatment decisions.
If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest coronary disease (blockages within your heart arteries), you will be referred for a standard coronary CT scan. This provides detailed pictures of your heart arteries. If these CT images show disease, your CT scan will then be sent, anonymised and via a secure, encrypted portal, for a HeartFlow® FFRCT test for analysis.
A trained specialist will apply advanced mathematical equations to your coronary CT scan in order to determine whether any blockages are limiting the blood supply to your heart and require treatment as a result. Your consultant will receive a digital, 3D colour-coded model of your blood flow. They will then discuss a diagnosis and treatment plan with you.
No, the HeartFlow® FFRCT test itself carries no direct risks, as it uses your existing CT scan data. It’s a completely safe, pain-free process that does not involve additional procedures.
No extra preparation is needed for the HeartFlow® analysis, as it is based on your existing CT scan. However, your cardiac specialist will provide guidance to help you prepare properly for your CT scan.
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Our locations
Where can I get a HeartFlow® FFRCT?
You can have a private HeartFlow® FFRCT across our network of hospitals in London. Our highly experienced cardiac specialists and multidisciplinary teams are here to support you at every step of your heart care journey. We’re here to ensure you get the care you need.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Your private HeartFlow® FFRCT with HCA UK
What to expect
A HeartFlow® FFRCT test combines advanced imaging and analysis to show how blood moves through your heart. It’s quick, completely non-invasive and carried out by our experienced cardiology specialists who’ll ensure you’re supported and informed every step of the way.
01
Referral and booking
You’ll usually be referred for a HeartFlow® FFRCT test after an initial cardiac CT scan. If narrowing is present in your arteries, your cardiology specialist may recommend a HeartFlow® FFRCT test. Our friendly team will arrange your booking and explain exactly what to expect next.
02
How to prepare
There’s no extra preparation needed for a HeartFlow® FFRCT test. The analysis is carried out using images from your coronary CT scan, so no fasting or new medication is required. Simply follow your cardiology specialist’s instructions for your initial CT scan.
03
During your procedure
If you’ve had symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, you’ll have a standard coronary CT scan. These detailed images are securely and anonymously sent to HeartFlow® FFRCT. A trained specialist analyses blood flow to see if any blockages are reducing the supply to your heart.
04
After the test
Your cardiology specialist will receive a detailed 3D, colour-coded model that shows how blood flows through your heart. Your specialist will review the findings, explain what they mean and discuss the next steps. They’ll then tailor a treatment plan just for you to improve your heart health.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
HeartFlow® FFRCT FAQs
There’s no recovery time or side effects from the HeartFlow® FFRCT test; you won’t feel any discomfort during or after the scan. Once your CT scan is complete, you can go home and resume your normal activities. After your scan, your cardiac specialist will clearly explain the findings and, if needed, outline your personalised treatment plan.
HeartFlow® FFRCT is one of the most advanced and accurate non-invasive methods for assessing coronary artery blockages. It combines high-resolution CT imaging with advanced AI and fluid dynamics to model real blood flow.
The precision of this technology means fewer unnecessary procedures and more effective diagnosis for patients.
The precision of this technology means fewer unnecessary procedures and more effective diagnosis for patients.
No, not usually. A HeartFlow® FFRCT gives detailed information about your heart’s arteries, helping you avoid the need for invasive angiograms.
However, if your cardiology specialist finds that your arteries are severely narrowed or blood flow is significantly reduced, they may recommend an angiogram to confirm results or guide treatment.
However, if your cardiology specialist finds that your arteries are severely narrowed or blood flow is significantly reduced, they may recommend an angiogram to confirm results or guide treatment.
Results are typically available within 48 hours of your CT scan. Once the analysis is complete, your cardiology specialist receives a detailed 3D model showing how blood flows through your heart.
If your HeartFlow® FFRCT test shows a blockage, your cardiology specialist will explain the findings and talk you through the next steps. This may include medication, lifestyle changes or further tests to help them make a more accurate diagnosis.
In some cases, you may be referred to a cardiologist to discuss treatments such as angioplasty. Whatever happens next, we’re here to guide you and support you.
In some cases, you may be referred to a cardiologist to discuss treatments such as angioplasty. Whatever happens next, we’re here to guide you and support you.
HeartFlow® FFRCT is suitable for people with symptoms of stable chest pain or suspected coronary artery disease. Your cardiology specialist may recommend it if you:
- Have a mild to moderate risk of heart disease
- Experience chest pain or shortness of breath on exertion
- Have abnormal heart test results needing further investigation
- Have not had recent stent placement or bypass surgery
Unlike treadmill or stress tests that assess how your heart performs during physical activity, HeartFlow® FFRCT uses CT imaging and advanced AI to measure blood flow inside your coronary arteries.
You may still be eligible for a HeartFlow® FFRCT test depending on the type and location of your previous stent or bypass. Your cardiology specialist will carefully review your scan to decide whether accurate analysis is possible.
If metal implants or grafts affect image quality, your cardiac specialist will recommend an alternative, safe and suitable test to evaluate your heart.
Yes. By detecting reduced blood flow early, HeartFlow® FFRCT enables your cardiology specialist to identify potential heart problems before they become serious. This proactive approach gives your cardiac team the insight to protect your heart health.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.