CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Pressure wire study
- 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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Pressure wire study at HCA UK
Why choose us
When you need a pressure wire study, choose care from the UK’s number one private cardiac provider. We treat more cardiac patients than anyone else, helping over 36,000 people every year.
Over 250 cardiologists and skilled support teams deliver precise, coordinated care using the latest technology. With 99% of patients recommending us, you can trust you’re in the best hands. Our team is always here to guide you through every step of your heart care journey.
Over 250 cardiologists and skilled support teams deliver precise, coordinated care using the latest technology. With 99% of patients recommending us, you can trust you’re in the best hands. Our team is always here to guide you through every step of your heart care journey.
A pressure wire study is often carried out during a coronary angiogram. It measures the pressure in your heart's arteries to detect whether any narrowing is affecting blood flow to the heart muscle.
This helps your cardiac consultant decide if you need further treatment. A pressure wire study provides detailed information that can’t always be seen on scans alone to help your cardiology specialist make the most accurate and personalised decisions about your coronary artery care.
This helps your cardiac consultant decide if you need further treatment. A pressure wire study provides detailed information that can’t always be seen on scans alone to help your cardiology specialist make the most accurate and personalised decisions about your coronary artery care.
Your cardiology consultant may recommend a pressure wire study if you have symptoms that suggest reduced blood flow to the heart, such as:
- Chest pain or tightness (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue during physical activity
- Dizziness or light-headedness
The test helps determine how severe any arterial narrowing is and whether surgery or another treatment might be needed. It’s an important step in understanding how well your heart is working and ensuring you receive the most appropriate and effective cardiac care.
Your cardiac specialist will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. They’ll also give you specific instructions about:
- What you can eat or drink before the test.
- Taking or pausing anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication before and after the procedure.
You may also be asked to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards, as you might feel tired following the test.
A pressure wire study is a safe and routine procedure. Serious complications are very rare, but some risks of a pressure wire study include:
- Minor bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
- Temporary irregular heartbeat
- Infection at the insertion site
Your cardiac care team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure to minimise any risks.
Both Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) and Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio (iFR) measure how well blood flows through your arteries. The way they differ is:
- FFR uses medication to slightly increase blood flow to obtain a reading under controlled stress.
- FR measures the pressure without medication and uses your heart’s natural rhythm.
Your cardiac specialist will recommend the approach that is best suited to your personal circumstances.
Rapid access to tests and scans
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art facilities
Access innovative treatment options.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Visit any of our 15 dedicated diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Your private pressure wire study with HCA UK
What to expect
A pressure wire study is a safe and straightforward test that provides your cardiac consultant with the clearest picture of your heart’s health. Our cardiac specialists will guide you through every stage of the procedure to ensure you feel informed and supported.
If you have any questions before or after your test, our team is always happy to help.
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Referral and booking
You can be referred by your GP or contact our cardiac referral line on 020 7616 4988. Once your referral is received, our team will arrange an appointment with a cardiac consultant who’ll review your medical history and discuss whether a pressure wire study is right for you. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and understand what to expect.
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During your pressure wire study
A pressure wire study takes place during a coronary angiography, which checks your heart’s arteries. Your cardiac consultant will use a local anaesthetic on your wrist or groin before inserting a thin tube and guiding a fine wire with a small pressure sensor through your artery. A medication called adenosine may be given to help assess blood flow.
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After your procedure
Your cardiac consultant will discuss your results and any next steps straight after the test. If needed, angioplasty and stent insertion can be performed immediately. You’ll stay in hospital for up to four hours so our nurses can monitor you, and most people are able to go home the same day.
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Follow-up care
Your consultant will discuss your results with you and let you know when you can get back to your usual routines and activities. They'll also give you advice on medication, exercise, travel, diet and alcohol. If required, other tests may be recommended.
Our locations
You can have a private pressure wire study across our network of hospitals in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Our expert cardiac specialists and multidisciplinary teams are dedicated to guiding you through every stage of your heart care journey. Wherever you choose to have your test, you’ll receive the same exceptional standard of care.
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
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.
Pressure wire study FAQs
The test itself usually takes 30–60 minutes, although the total visit may last a few hours. Allow extra time for preparation, aftercare and recovery before you go home. If angioplasty or stent insertion is needed, the procedure may take slightly longer. Your cardiac care team will explain the full process and support you at every step.
Yes, you’ll be awake during your pressure wire study, but a local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area where the catheter is inserted, which is usually the wrist or groin. During the procedure, you may:
- Feel light pressure or mild discomfort as the wire moves
- Be aware of gentle movement under your skin
- Experience warmth if medication is used to slightly increase the blood flow
Yes. If your consultant identifies a narrowing that restricts blood flow, they may perform angioplasty and fit a stent during the same procedure. Your cardiac consultant will discuss this option with you before your procedure.
If your results show normal blood flow, it means that the narrowing of your arteries isn’t serious enough to require further treatment. Your cardiac specialist may recommend:
- Lifestyle changes such as giving up smoking, exercising or changing your diet
- Medication to help manage blood pressure or cholesterol
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor heart health
If a blockage is found during your angiogram, your cardiology specialist will explain what it means and may treat it straightaway with a stent to improve blood flow. They’ll talk you through each step, so you feel informed, reassured and fully supported.
There isn’t one test for everyone, but angiograms, CT coronary angiography and HeartFlow FFRCT scans are often used to assess clogged arteries. Your cardiology specialist will choose the safest and most accurate option based on your symptoms and medical history.
The pressure test, called FFR, measures how well blood flows through a narrowed artery. A tiny sensor is passed through the artery during your angiogram to assess the severity of the blockage. Your cardiology specialist will guide you through the process.
Most people can resume light activity the next day. Your cardiac consultant may advise you to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few days. You’ll receive clear instructions on how to care for your insertion site and what you can and cannot do.
No, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the catheter is inserted. You may experience some tenderness at the insertion site for a short while afterwards.
If you experience pain, swelling or bleeding at the catheter site, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting or a high temperature, please contact your consultant or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
Your cardiac care team will talk through what you can expect and give you advice on how to aid your recovery or what to do if you feel unwell.
Your consultant will usually discuss your results soon after the test, often before you leave the hospital. In some cases, detailed results are reviewed and confirmed within 48 hours. You’ll receive a full explanation of what the findings mean and, if necessary, a tailored treatment plan designed to improve your long-term heart health.
Your cardiac specialist will explain everything you need to do to prepare for your procedure. This will usually include avoiding food for a few hours before your test, but you may still be able to drink small sips of water. A full preparation plan will be explained to you before your test.
No, not immediately after. Most people can drive again 24 hours after their pressure wire study. Your cardiac consultant will give you personalised advice before you leave the hospital.
Yes, if possible, it’s best to have a friend or a family member go to your appointment with you. You may feel a little tired after your pressure wire study, so your consultant might ask that someone drives you home or stays with you for a short time afterwards.
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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.