Methods to Test CFR
| Direct tests of CFR (vasodilator stress agents) | Indirect tests of CFR (exercise/dobutamine) |
|---|---|
| Seek to provoke flow heterogeneity | Seek to provoke ischemia (perfusion or wall motion abnormality) |
| Best suited for perfusion endpoint | Fits either perfusion or function ischemic endpoint (must be used with wall motion endpoint) |
| Less likely influenced by antianginal drugs | Vary in ability to augment flow demands and test CFR |
| Strongest, most reproducible, tests of CFR | Permit serial function analysis |
Adapted from (3).