Experts endorse technologies for accurate cardiology treatment decision

On the occasion of World Heart Day, cardiology experts have emphasised the importance of using advanced tools for the treatment of heart ailments.

The burden of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) is increasing at a tremendous rate and one of the major reasons for this is unhealthy lifestyle. Physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol consumption and inappropriate sleeping routinesare all risk factors which are leading to heart issues. Thus, healthy lifestyle needs to be adopted in order to prevent cardiac ailments.

While these are some of the preventive measures, there are times when the disease take its hold and has to be managed with the right interventions. Fortunately, there have been many advancements in the field of cardiology treatment which are helping cardiologists to take appropriate treatment decisions resulting in long term patient outcomes. One such tool which is very effective in determining the accurate treatment modality is Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR).

Elaborating on how the tool works, Dr.Jabir Abdullakutty (Cardiologist, Lisie Hospital, Kochi), said, "FFR is a high tech micro sensor technique which measures the flow of the blood across a part of the artery. Depending upon the value of the measurement, it can be analysed if the blockage in the artery is significant or not. Basis this, a decision can be made if the patient really requires stenting or not."

An FFR value of 1 indicates normal blood flow. A measurement greater than 0.8 point out that the blood flow is adequate and the patient can be treated by medication.

On the other hand, a value less than 0.8 signify that the blockage is significant and needs stenting. It is evident that the technique helps in identifying the culprit lesion in a scientific way, thereby helping in precise decision making.

Explaining the same, Dr. P.C. Rath (Consultant Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad) noted, "There are times when finalizing the treatment approach for some complex CVD manifestations becomes difficult. Here, tools like FFR immensely help in accurately determining the significance of the blockage and prescribing appropriate treatment. Thus, helps in better patient outcomes and reduces the overall healthcare costs."

To ensure that the rising burden of heart diseases is managed in the most efficient and effective way, advanced technologies like FFR have been proved to be most useful. Intervention treatment complemented ground-breaking technologies like theseare making a huge difference in enhancing the quality of life of patients and would ultimately help in reducing incidence of CVDs in the country.