WakeMed Expands Cardiac Care with Heartflow Analysis to Advance Early Detection of Coronary Artery Disease

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 22, 2026) — WakeMed is expanding access to advanced cardiac imaging with the addition of Heartflow Analysis, an AI-enabled technology that provides physicians with a more precise, non-invasive way to evaluate coronary artery disease — the leading cause of heart attack and one of the most common forms of heart disease in the United States.

The new technology enhances WakeMed’s ability to identify blood flow limitations caused by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, helping physicians determine whether a patient may benefit from medication, lifestyle changes or further intervention. By offering a more detailed picture of heart health, Heartflow Analysis supports earlier detection and more personalized treatment planning.

Using data from a coronary CT angiogram (CCTA), Heartflow Analysis creates a personalized three-dimensional model of a patient’s coronary arteries and analyzes how blood moves through them. This allows physicians to assess not only whether blockages are present, but whether those blockages are significantly impacting blood flow to the heart.

“Heartflow Analysis gives us deeper insight into coronary artery disease and how it may be affecting each individual patient,” said Doug Friedman, MD, cardiologist, WakeMed Heart & Vascular. “This technology helps us make more informed decisions, potentially reducing unnecessary invasive testing while ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.”

The addition of Heartflow Analysis reflects WakeMed’s continued investment in advanced cardiovascular care and innovative diagnostic tools that improve outcomes and enhance the patient experience.

“At WakeMed, we are committed to bringing leading-edge cardiac care to the communities we serve,” said Chuck Harr, MD, MBA, FACHE, cardiothoracic surgeon and chief medical officer, WakeMed’s Raleigh Campus. “Adding Heartflow Analysis strengthens our ability to deliver highly personalized care and helps patients get answers sooner.”

Heartflow Analysis is available to appropriate patients undergoing cardiac evaluation through WakeMed Heart & Vascular services. To learn more, visit WakeMed Heart & Vascular.

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 973-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, a mental health & well-being hospital, eight emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, two exceptional Trauma Centers—a Level I Trauma Center in Raleigh and a Level III Trauma Center in Cary, and more than 175 physician and physical therapy practice offices. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes more than 12,800 employees, 1,300 volunteers, and 1,300 affiliated physicians along with a network of 900+ primary care and specialty providers with WakeMed Physician Practices—all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.