PHYSICAL WELLNESS

EECP

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) treatment is an FDA-approved outpatient therapy for chronic stable angina. It uses pressure on the lower limbs to improve blood flow in people with long-term symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain and pressure. EECP therapy may also be recommended for some people who need a procedure to restore blood flow to their heart and aren’t eligible for surgery.

EECP therapy uses pressure to improve your blood flow. It's a noninvasive, outpatient treatment. You typically receive the treatment over seven weeks.

This type of therapy can reduce your need for medication and increase your ability to be active without experiencing symptoms. Side effects are usually minor. Your healthcare provider can help determine if you are eligible for EECP treatment.

ENHANCED EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION (EECP)

TREATMENT AREA

Body

TREATMENT TIME

60 mins

DOWNTIME

No

ANAESTHESIA

No

FREQUENCY

Daily for 35 days

RESULT SHOWN

Gradually over time

Patients can experience the below benefits after 35 to 38 sessions:

THE BENEFITS OF EECP

Increases collateral circulation

Creates new micro blood vessels

Stimulates natural bypass

Grows new arteries

Reduces arterial stiffness

Improves organ dysfunction

Improves blood flow to the brain

Strengthens cardiovascular system

Increases lymphatic circulation

Reverses effects of heart disease

Increases nitric oxide

Improves longevity

Increased energy

Regenerates organs and tissue

Able to be active without symptoms

Reduced need for medication

Angina is a sign of coronary heart disease. When you have angina, your heart doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood due to narrowed or blocked arteries. In chronic stable angina, symptoms such as chest pain or weakness come and go when you are active or under stress.

TREATMENT AREA & CONDITIONS

What conditions can EECP therapy treat?

• Chest pain

• Cough

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

• Cardiac syndrome X (a type of angina)

• Cerebrovascular disease

EECP cannot treat unstable angina (acute coronary syndrome). This type of angina causes more severe, more frequent and longer-lasting symptoms. Symptoms develop suddenly, even while you rest.

Who is eligible for EECP therapy?

You may be eligible for EECP therapy if you:

• Chronic diseases: High Blood Pressure, Diabetes Mellitus

• Chronic stable angina

• Heart impairment or failure

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Erectile dysfunction

Who should not undergo EECP therapy?

EECP therapy isn’t recommended for people who are pregnant. Doctor may recommend other options for people who have pacemakers or conditions such as:

• Aortic insufficiency

• Atrial fibrillation (Afib)

• Blood clots

• Congenital heart disease

• Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly)

• Heart valve disease

• Heart failure

• Kidney failure

• Left ventricular dysfunction

• Lung disease (pulmonary disease)

• Peripheral artery (vascular) disease (PAD)

• Hemorrhage

• Irregular heartbeat

• Fast heart rate (tachycardia)

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

• Pulmonary hypertension (PH)

• Severe peripheral vascular disease

EECP treatment applies pressure to blood vessels in your lower limbs. The pressure increases blood flow back to your heart, so your heart works better. When your heart pumps better, symptoms ease.

This type of therapy can also encourage blood vessels to open new pathways for blood to flow to your heart. These pathways eventually become "natural bypass" vessels that help relieve symptoms of angina if your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked.

HOW IT WORKS?

Our doctors will assess your health condition, explain the procedure and the equipment involved. Before your treatment:

• You will be asked to empty your bladder and change into comfortable clothing.

• The doctor will place three electrocardiogram (EKG) patches on your chest and inflatable cuffs around your leg and buttocks. The cuffs connect to air hoses.

• A finger sensor will be placed to check blood oxygen and pressure levels for best results.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE DONE?

Before the procedure

During the procedure

During EECP therapy, you relax or nap on a padded table while air fills the cuffs around your lower limbs. You'll feel the cuffs grow tighter around your legs and bottom until they reach full treatment pressure.

EKG and blood pressure monitors synchronize inflation and deflation with your heartbeat. The cuffs inflate as soon as your heart rests, increasing blood supply to the arteries that deliver blood to your heart. Then they quickly deflate to make it easier for your heart to pump again.

Once you get used to the sensation, therapy should be comfortable. It shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort. You can return to your regular daily routine after treatment.

After the procedure

You may feel tired for several days after treatment. Most people say symptoms feel improvement in the last couple of weeks of the seven-week treatment.

Complications from treatment are usually minor. Most people don’t experience any major side effects, discomfort or complications. Typical side effects include fatigue or muscle aches. Some people experience blisters or mild skin irritation due to the equipment. Others may have:

• Bruises

• Edema

• Fatigue

• Muscle or joint discomfort

• Numbness or tingling

• Pressure sores

In regards to before and after photos on this site, results may vary depending on each patient's individual case.

BEFORE & AFTER

EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) treatment is a non-invasive therapy that uses cuffs wrapped around the legs and inflated and deflated in sync with the patient’s heartbeat to increase blood flow to the heart and improve circulation throughout the body. The therapy works by compressing blood vessels in the legs during diastole, which helps to improve blood flow to the heart during systole when the heart is pumping.

FAQs

What is EECP treatment and how does it work?

What conditions can be treated with EECP therapy?

EECP therapy is commonly used to treat angina, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions. It may also be used to improve exercise tolerance, reduce the need for medication, and improve quality of life in patients with these conditions.

How long does an EECP treatment session take, and how many sessions are needed?

An EECP treatment session typically lasts between 45 to 60 minutes, and patients usually receive treatment for five days a week over a course of several weeks. The total number of sessions needed may range from 35 to 45 sessions, depending on the individual patient and the condition being treated.

Is EECP treatment safe?

Yes, EECP treatment is considered a safe and non-invasive therapy. However, as with any medical treatment, there may be potential risks and side effects. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if EECP treatment is appropriate for them.

What are the potential benefits of EECP therapy?

The potential benefits of EECP therapy include improved circulation, reduced symptoms of angina and heart failure, improved quality of life, and reduced need for medication.

What is the success rate of EECP treatment?

The success rate of EECP treatment can vary depending on the individual patient and the condition being treated. However, studies have shown that EECP treatment can improve angina symptoms in approximately 70-80% of patients, and may also be effective in improving symptoms and quality of life for patients with heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions. The success rate may also vary based on factors such as the severity of the condition, the patient’s age and overall health, and other individual factors. Patients considering EECP treatment should discuss their specific case with our doctor.

What is the success rate of EECP treatment?

EECP therapy may be recommended for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of angina, heart failure, or other cardiovascular conditions. Candidates for EECP therapy may include individuals who have:

• Persistent angina despite medication

• Reduced heart function

• A history of heart attacks or heart surgery

• Blocked arteries or other vascular diseases

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

• Diabetes

• High Blood Pressure

• A sedentary lifestyle

Patients should consult with our doctor to determine if EECP therapy is appropriate for them based on their individual medical history and current condition.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

REN Clinic experts are ready to consult with you.

REN CLINIC NEWSLETTER

Sign up to receive the latest news and promotions from REN Clinic.

Please note: In regards to before and after photos on this site, results may vary depending on each patient's individual case.