investigation
Coronary Pressure Wire Assessment
Coronary pressure wire assessment objectively defines whether a narrowing in a heart artery is causing symptoms
What is coronary pressure wire assessment?
During an invasive coronary angiogram, a pressure measurement wire is placed into the narrowed heart artery. We can then measure with accuracy whether the narrowing is causing a problem. In some cases, we will need to administer a vasodilating medication before we take our measurements.
Why would you need coronary pressure wire assessment?
During an invasive coronary angiogram, narrowing of the heart arteries may be diagnosed which has resulted either in a heart attack or causes angina. Frequently however, it may be difficult for a cardiologist to determine by eye alone whether a narrowing is truly causing a problem. In such cases pressure wire assessment provides objective evidence of whether there is a significant narrowing.
