A New Non‑Invasive Way to Better Understand Your Heart: How HeartFlow Helps You Get Clear Answers

When you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or reduced exercise tolerance, getting clear answers quickly matters. Elliot Cardiovascular Consultants now offers HeartFlow FFRCT and Plaque Analysis, a non‑invasive cardiac diagnostic test that helps you better understand your heart using the data from your coronary CT scan.  

Getting a Clearer Picture of Your Heart Health 

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in the United States, affecting more than 20 million adults. CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrowed or blocked with build-up of cholesterol plaques. Traditional tests—such as stress testing or calcium scoring—can help identify risk, but they don’t always provide enough clarity to determine the best next step. 

HeartFlow Analysis works alongside a standard coronary CT scan to give your care team a detailed, personalized  view of your coronary arteries. Using advanced technology, HeartFlow creates a 3D model that shows: 

• How blood flows through each artery (FFRCT) 
• Where plaque is located and how much is present (Plaque Analysis) 

“HeartFlow gives us clarity we simply couldn’t achieve with traditional testing alone,” says Vikas Veeranna, MD, Cardiologist at Elliot Cardiovascular Consultants. “It allows us to see not just the presence of plaque, but how that plaque is affecting blood flow in real time – assessing both anatomy and physiology.” 

This level of detail helps your care team understand whether your symptoms are related to CAD and what type of treatment may be most effective. 

A Heart Test Designed with Your Comfort in Mind 

One of the biggest advantages of HeartFlow is that it does not require an invasive procedure. For you, this means less stress, fewer appointments, and faster answers. 

Here’s what you can expect: 

• You receive a coronary CT scan at Elliot Hospital or River’s Edge. 
• Your care team determines whether HeartFlow analysis is appropriate. 
• Your CT images are securely sent for analysis—no additional appointments needed. 
• You do not undergo catheterization or receive extra radiation. 
• Your clinician reviews the results with you and discusses next steps. 

HeartFlow has been shown in clinical studies to significantly reduce unnecessary invasive procedures, helping you avoid catheterization when it isn’t needed. 

“You can feel confident knowing this test is safe, comfortable, and highly accurate,” Dr. Veeranna adds. “It gives you answers without the risks of an invasive procedure.” 

Helping You Choose the Right Treatment 

HeartFlow results help your doctor determine whether: 

• Lifestyle changes or medication may be the best approach 
• A minimally invasive procedure could improve blood flow 
• No further testing or intervention is needed 

“The precision of HeartFlow helps us tailor treatment to you,” says Dr. Veeranna. “It guides us toward the safest, most effective plan—whether that’s medication, lifestyle changes, or a procedure.” 

By providing a clearer picture of your heart health, HeartFlow supports more confident decision‑making and helps ensure you receive the right care at the right time. 

Your Heart Health Matters-And We're Here to Support You 

HeartFlow is now available at Elliot Hospital and our River’s Edge location, expanding access to advanced cardiac diagnostics for individuals across Southern New Hampshire. Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or seeking clarity after inconclusive testing, this technology offers a safer, more accurate way to evaluate coronary artery disease. 

To learn more about our advanced cardiac diagnostic testing capabilities and whether HeartFlow may be right for you, speak with your doctor or visit ElliotHospital.org/HeartDiagnostics.