Coronary flow reserve (CFR) tests are used to measure the amount of blood that can flow through the coronary arteries. This test is used to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) and other heart conditions. In this article, we will discuss what CFR is, how it is calculated, when it is performed, what a normal CFR is, how the test works, how to prepare for the test, what to expect on the day of the test, how the test is measured, what to expect during and after the test, the risks and side effects of the test, and what the results mean.
What is Coronary Flow Reserve?
Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is a measure of the amount of blood that can flow through the coronary arteries. It is used to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) and other heart conditions. The test measures the amount of blood that can flow through the coronary arteries when the heart is at rest and when it is under stress.
How is Coronary Flow Reserve Calculated?
The CFR is calculated by measuring the amount of blood that can flow through the coronary arteries when the heart is at rest and when it is under stress. The difference between the two measurements is the CFR. A normal CFR is considered to be 2.5 or higher.
When is Coronary Flow Reserve Performed?
CFR tests are usually performed when a patient is suspected of having coronary artery disease (CAD) or other heart conditions. The test is also used to monitor the progress of CAD or other heart conditions.
What is a Normal Coronary Flow Reserve?
A normal CFR is considered to be 2.5 or higher. If the CFR is lower than 2.5, it may indicate that there is a blockage in the coronary arteries.
How Does a Coronary Flow Reserve Test Work?
The CFR test is performed by injecting a dye into the coronary arteries. The dye is used to measure the amount of blood that can flow through the coronary arteries when the heart is at rest and when it is under stress. The difference between the two measurements is the CFR.
How Do I Prepare for a Coronary Flow Reserve Test?
Before the test, you should talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking and any allergies you may have. You should also let your doctor know if you have any medical conditions that may affect the test. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything for at least four hours before the test.
What Should I Expect on the Date of the Coronary Flow Reserve Test?
On the day of the test, you will be asked to lie down on a table. The doctor will then inject a dye into your coronary arteries. The dye will be used to measure the amount of blood that can flow through the coronary arteries when the heart is at rest and when it is under stress.
How is Coronary Flow Reserve Measured?
The CFR is measured by using an ultrasound machine to measure the amount of blood that can flow through the coronary arteries when the heart is at rest and when it is under stress. The difference between the two measurements is the CFR.
What Can I Expect During the Coronary Flow Reserve Test?
During the test, you may feel a slight burning sensation when the dye is injected into your coronary arteries. You may also feel a slight pressure when the ultrasound machine is used to measure the amount of blood that can flow through the coronary arteries.
What to Expect After the Coronary Flow Reserve Test
After the test, you may experience some mild discomfort in your chest. This should go away within a few hours. You should also drink plenty of fluids to help flush the dye out of your system.
What are the Risks and Side Effects of a Coronary Flow Reserve Test?
The risks and side effects of a CFR test are minimal. The most common side effect is a mild burning sensation when the dye is injected into the coronary arteries. Other side effects may include nausea, dizziness, and chest pain.
What Type of Results Do You Get and What Do the Results Mean?
The results of the CFR test will show the amount of blood that can flow through the coronary arteries when the heart is at rest and when it is under stress. A normal CFR is considered to be 2.5 or higher. If the CFR is lower than 2.5, it may indicate that there is a blockage in the coronary arteries.
When Should I Know the Results of My Coronary Flow Reserve Test?
The results of the CFR test are usually available within a few days. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
If you experience any chest pain, dizziness, or nausea after the test, you should call your doctor right away. You should also call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the results of the test.
References
- American Heart Association. (2020). Coronary Flow Reserve. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-rehabilitation/tests-and-procedures/coronary-flow-reserve
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Coronary Flow Reserve. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/coronary-flow-reserve/about/pac-20384790
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Coronary Flow Reserve. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/coronary-flow-reserve
Keywords: coronary flow reserve, CFR, coronary artery disease, CAD, heart conditions, ultrasound, dye, results