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What is FFR?

Fractional flow reserve is an invasive physiologic measurement used to assess whether a coronary narrowing limits blood flow.

The short answer

Fractional flow reserve is an invasive physiologic measurement used to assess whether a coronary narrowing limits blood flow.

The meaning of a symptom, test, or diagnosis depends on the person’s history and complete clinical picture. A cardiovascular clinician can determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate.

How PICC approaches the question

PICC begins with the clinical problem, reviews prior information, and selects testing only when it can answer a meaningful question. Care stays connected across prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

Related PICC programAdvanced Coronary Intervention ProgramExplore program →

Questions to bring to your visit

  • What information from my prior tests is most useful?
  • What clinical question would another test answer?
  • How would the result change my care plan?
  • What symptoms should prompt urgent evaluation?
  • How does prevention fit into my next step?

Authoritative starting points

American Heart Association health topics ↗American College of Cardiology CardioSmart ↗FDA medical-device information ↗

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Related patient guides

What is coronary flow reserve?

Coronary flow reserve compares blood flow under resting and increased-demand conditions to help assess coronary circulation.

What is iFR?

Instantaneous wave-free ratio is another invasive pressure-based method used to evaluate the functional importance of a coronary narrowing.

What is angiography-based FFR?

Angiography-based physiology estimates the functional importance of a narrowing from coronary angiographic images.

Patient education
Use this guide to prepare questions for your cardiovascular care team.

Last updated
August 22, 2026

Educational information only. It does not replace personal medical advice.