Overview

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a treatment that stimulates natural pathways to form around narrowed or blocked portions of the coronary arteries. These pathways bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle that might have formerly been deprived of adequate blood flow.

Numerous studies have been performed and published in peer-reviewed medical journals, demonstrating that most patients experience significant decrease in their symptoms of angina and an improvement in life style.

Am I a candidate?

• have chronic stable angina (chest pain)
• do not qualify as a candidate for invasive procedures
• have exhausted invasive treatments such as coronary artery bypass but have not had relief of symptoms
• are unwilling to undergo invasive procedures
• want to explore alternative approaches to invasive procedures

Then you might want to explore the treatment known as Enhanced External Counterpulsation. This is a safe, non-invasive, outpatient treatment that may help to relieve and in some cases eliminate angina. EECP carries little to no risk and may actually improve the circulation to the heart muscle, improving the health of your heart.

Treatments

If you are a candidate for EECP, you will attend clinic for one hour each day, five days a week, for seven weeks. Your commitment to this schedule is very important. You will lie on a treatment bed where the therapist will apply a series of pressure cuffs (large blood pressure cuffs, around your claves, lower thighs and upper thighs.

Electrodes will be applied to your chest and a sensor to your finger. These will assist the technician in monitoring your heart rate and your blood pressure.

The cuffs are timed to inflate during the time the heart is resting (diastole) and to deflate during the time the heart pumps (systole) this moves the blood circulation up toward the heart so that blood and oxygen is delivered and circulated within the heart. You will experience a strong “hug” moving upwards from the legs to the thighs and then to the buttocks during inflation and then a rapid release during deflation. (picture of the cuffs and placement) The treatments are relatively comfortable. You may wish to read, listen to music, watch TV or videotapes and in some cases just nap. The one hour will pass quickly.

Results

• symptomatic relief of angina pectoris
• improvement of blood flow to the heart muscle
• decreased or absence of the need for nitrate medications
• improved ability to exercise
• improved sense of well-being and ability to participate in daily activities.

In addition to your treatments, you will be encouraged to maintain good heart healthy habits, such as eating right, not smoking, and exercising. You might be encouraged to attend the cardiac rehabilitation program at the same time you are undergoing EECP treatments.