| EECP
What is EECP?
Enhanced External Counterpulsation
(EECP) is a non-invasive therapy for the crippling
chest pain of angina pectoris. It is a non-traumatic
outpatient procedure, consisting of a base of 35 Treatment
hours usually divided into one hour sessions, 5 days
a week over 7 weeks.
The term Enhanced External Counterpulsation
(EECP) describes what happens during treatment. “Enhanced”
refers to the state-of-the-art technology that has
developed today. The treatment is “external”
because it happens outside the body and does not require
surgery or other invasive procedures. Counterpulsation
occurs between heart beats.
Indications:
- Patients with angina complain of chest discomfort
provoked by physical, emotional or mental stress.
- Patients experience shortness of breath, fatigue,
indigestion, faintness or pain in the chest, arm,
neck or jaw.
- Angina indicates that a part of the heart muscles
is not receiving adequate blood and oxygen. Narrowed
or blocked coronary arteries restrict blood flow to
the heart and are the commonest cause of angina. Angina
can be disabling as it restricts ability to work and
perform activity.
How EECP works?
It involves the use of EECP device
to sequentially inflate and deflate a series of compressive
cuffs timed to inflate during diastole and deflate
during systole respectively, which are wrapped around
the patients calves, lower thighs and upper thighs,
Inflation and deflation of the cuffs are triggered
by events in the cardiac cycle via computer interpreted
ECG signals.
After EECP
A treatment, in harmony with patient’s
heart, can improve circulation to the heart muscle.
After EECP treatment, patients may find that: they
can walk farther; carry heavier packages and be more
active without having angina; they have fewer attacks
of angina; their episodes of angina are less intense;
they need less anti-anginal medication; they can return
to work, go out to dinner, garden, travel, or enjoy
golf, tennis, or bowling once again; they no longer
restrict their social lives, volunteer activities,
or exercise because they are worried that they will
cause angina.
Clinical Benefits of EECP
- Decreases anginal pain.
- Patients can walk futher, can carry heavier weights
and be more active without suffering anginal pain.
- Reduction in use of nitrates and other medications.
- Improved quality of life, patients can return to
work, travel and exercise without fear of angina.
- Lead a more active and confident life.
Who is a candidate for EECP treatment?
Ask your physician to evaluate
you. You may be a candidate for EECP if you:-
- Do not qualify for invasive procedures.
- Are not receiving adequate relief by taking medicines.
- Have exhausted invasive treatment without lasting
relief of symptoms.
- Are not willing to undergo invasive procedures.
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