1. ACC and AHA support AI-driven Heartflow analysis for CAD management. 2. New guidelines elevate plaque analysis's role in clinical consideration. 3. Heartflow's technology validated by significant clinical data and real-world evidence. 4. Over 50% of clinicians changed patient management using Heartflow analysis. 5. Adoption by 1,400 institutions globally strengthens Heartflow's market presence.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
The endorsement from ACC and AHA positions Heartflow's technology as essential in CAD management, likely boosting demand and share price. Historical examples show similar endorsements positively influencing biotech stocks, such as Illumina post-FDA clearance.
How important is it?
The article details significant advancements and endorsements for Heartflow's products, making it highly relevant to potential investors and stakeholders.
Why Long Term?
As healthcare increasingly values AI in diagnostics, Heartflow is well-positioned for sustained growth. Trends indicate a longer adoption cycle following such endorsements, exemplified by telehealth's rise post-COVID.
Heartflow, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTFL) Gains Support from ACC and AHA for AI-Driven Plaque Analysis
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heartflow, Inc. (HTFL), a leader in AI technology for managing coronary artery disease (CAD), announced significant findings from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) supporting the quantification of coronary plaque. This new consensus highlights the importance of the coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) combined with Heartflow's analysis pathway for optimizing patient management in CAD.
New Scientific Statements on Plaque Assessment
The ACC has published recommendations in the journal JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging, emphasizing the value of quantitative plaque assessment in CAD management. These statements elevate plaque analysis from an emerging tool to a crucial clinical component, detailing patient selection and best practices for comprehensive interpretation.
- Heartflow is recognized for its AI-driven plaque quantification with a 95% agreement rate compared to the established gold standard, IVUS.
- The approach integrates expert quality review with rigorous standards, in compliance with ACC’s call for high-quality clinical practices.
The Role of AHA in Enhancing CAD Management
Recent AHA statements, published in Circulation, expand on the significance of plaque burden and composition in the management of nonobstructive CAD. Authors of the statement stress that patients with nonobstructive CAD remain at risk, and underline the importance of evaluating coronary plaque volume and characteristics for better patient outcomes.
Expert Insights on AI Integration in Clinical Practice
Dr. Ron Blankstein, a prominent figure in both the ACC and AHA writing committees, articulated the need for AI-enhanced methodologies, stating, “These statements highlight the limitations of methods that rely solely on stenosis severity or traditional risk factors." He advocates for the integration of Heartflow's AI technology to improve the predictive capabilities of CAD management.
Immediate Impact on Patient Care
Both the ACC and AHA support the use of quantitative coronary plaque analysis to identify high-risk patients swiftly. Heartflow Plaque Analysis can provide critical data immediately upon request, allowing for informed clinical decision-making that prioritizes timely preventive care.
Dr. Campbell Rogers, Chief Medical Officer at Heartflow, expressed optimism about the future of CAD management: “The ACC and AHA statements reflect a growing consensus that plaque assessment is essential for risk stratification, prevention, and long-term management of CAD.”
Clinical Evidence Supporting Heartflow Plaque Analysis
A retrospective analysis from the FISH&CHIPS Study showcased the prognostic relevance of Heartflow's Plaque Staging framework based on total plaque volume, marking a significant validation of its effectiveness in predicting cardiovascular events.
Furthermore, ongoing research through the DECIDE registry is evaluating the real-world impact of Heartflow Plaque Analysis. Initial findings indicate that over 50% of patients experienced changes in their medical management due to the insights provided by the Plaque Analysis tool.
About Heartflow, Inc.
Heartflow is dedicated to transforming the approach to coronary artery disease, aiming to detect, diagnose, and manage this leading cause of death more effectively. The Heartflow One platform leverages advanced AI technology to generate personalized 3D models of the heart, delivering actionable insights without invasive procedures. Currently, Heartflow has been implemented in more than 1,400 institutions globally and continues to build its presence.
Key Features of Heartflow's Technology
- Proprietary Data Pipeline: Harnessing over 110 million annotated CTA images to fuel advanced AI models.
- Extensive Validation: Evidence gathered from over 100 clinical studies involving more than 365,000 patients.
- Seamless Integration: Provides instant analyses upon order, facilitating swift clinical decisions.
- Compliance and Quality Standards: Meets rigorous standards including HITRUST and ISO certifications.
Media and Investor Relations
For media inquiries, please contact Elliot Levy at levy@heartflow.com. For investor relations, reach out to Nick Laudico at laudico@heartflow.com.