Core Insights - Heartflow, Inc. has received comprehensive coverage for its AI-powered Heartflow Plaque Analysis from Aetna, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to this technology for coronary artery disease [1][3] - Aetna is the fourth major national commercial insurer to provide this coverage, following similar decisions by Humana, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, which enhances the accessibility of Heartflow Plaque Analysis across the United States [1][3] - The new Category I CPT payment code 75577 for Heartflow Plaque Analysis, effective January 1, 2026, establishes a reimbursement structure that supports the financial viability of this service [2][4] Coverage and Policy Changes - Aetna's updated policy became effective on December 23, 2025, allowing coverage for patients with acute or stable chest pain and mild-to-moderate coronary artery narrowing [3] - The policy aims to facilitate earlier diagnosis and personalized management of coronary artery disease through AI-driven plaque analysis [3][4] Clinical Validation and Impact - The DECIDE Registry data indicates that over 50% of patients had their medical management altered when Heartflow Plaque Analysis was utilized, demonstrating its clinical impact [5] - Heartflow Plaque Analysis has been validated through over 100 studies involving more than 365,000 patients, showcasing its effectiveness in real-world clinical practice [7][8] Technological Advancements - Heartflow's technology is the only FDA-cleared AI-powered plaque quantification tool, achieving 95% agreement with the gold standard, IVUS [6] - The platform utilizes a proprietary data pipeline built from over 160 million annotated CTA images, enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility of insights [7] Market Presence and Adoption - Heartflow has been adopted by more than 1,400 institutions globally, indicating a strong commercial presence and commitment to expanding access to its innovative solutions [7] - The company aims to redefine cardiovascular care by transforming coronary artery disease management through early detection and personalized treatment strategies [9]

Dietary Recommendations - Excessive fruit consumption, especially out of season, should be avoided due to high fructose content [1][2] - Fruit should ideally be consumed in the fall, in season, and in small amounts [2] - Overconsumption of fruit contributes to coronary artery disease, diabetes, and fatty liver [2] Health Implications - Fructose, a type of sugar in fruit, can cause fatty liver [1] - Eliminating excessive fruit consumption can lead to significant health improvements, including mental and cardiovascular health [3]

Oral Microbiome & Cardiovascular Health - Oral microbiome, extending from the nose to the anus, is specific and can predict cardiovascular disease risk [1] - Poor oral hygiene and bad oral bacteria are unequivocally linked to valvular diseases like aortic stenosis and premature calcification of the aortic valve, as well as coronary calcification [2] - Chronic sinusitis, especially fungal sinusitis, causes low-grade inflammation and is linked to coronary artery disease [3] Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - The definition of the causes of CAD is evolving beyond traditional factors [4] - Lifestyle factors, including mental, physical, and dietary aspects, significantly impact coronary arteries [4]

Core Insights - UnitedHealthcare has announced comprehensive coverage for Heartflow Plaque Analysis, marking a significant advancement in patient access to AI-driven technology for diagnosing and managing coronary artery disease (CAD) [1][2] - The coverage will be effective from October 1, 2025, specifically for patients with acute or stable chest pain and mild-to-moderate coronary artery narrowing [2] - Heartflow Plaque Analysis is the only FDA-cleared, AI-enabled, noninvasive plaque quantification tool, demonstrating a 95% agreement with the gold standard, IVUS [3] Coverage Details - The updated coverage includes all lines of business for UnitedHealthcare, such as Commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Community plans [1] - This decision aligns with guidelines from radiology benefit manager EviCore, enhancing the standard for cardiovascular care coverage [1][2] Clinical Impact - Management changes informed by Heartflow Plaque Analysis resulted in an average LDL cholesterol decrease of 18.7 mg/dL, which is associated with a 15% reduction in the risk of cardiac events [4] - The technology has been shown to change medical management in over half of patients beyond CCTA alone, improving clinical outcomes [3] Company Vision - Heartflow aims to transform CAD from a leading cause of death into a manageable condition, with CAD responsible for one heart attack every 40 seconds in the U.S. [5] - The company has been adopted by over 1,400 institutions globally, indicating a strong commercial presence and commitment to making advanced solutions widely available [5][6]