The American Journal of Cardiology study showed that after 2 years, 83% of patients who received EECP treatment were still alive, and 70% had no major heart-related problems, suggesting that the treatment leads to positive results.

Patients usually choose between EECP Therapy Vs Surgery for heart issues. EECP Therapy is the most preferred option because it is non-invasive and requires little recovery time. Both medications attempt to improve heart health, but each has unique benefits and risks.

This blog will help you understand EECP treatment, compare it with traditional heart surgery, and explore why more people are turning to EECP as a safer alternative for heart recovery.

Understanding EECP Therapy

According to National Library of Medicine, EECP treatment has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for management of refractory angina

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP therapy) is a non-invasive treatment for angina (a type of chest pain) and heart failure. It is designed to improve blood flow to the heart.

It uses cuffs that are placed around the lower legs to inflate (fill up with air) and deflate (release the air) in time with the patient’s heartbeat. This process stimulates blood circulation, leading to the formation of new blood vessels and improved oxygen supply to the heart.

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Benefits of Choosing EECP Over Surgery

According to the study, EECP therapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive therapy for refractory angina, improving health-related quality of life. EECP treatment with heart benefits lasting up to three years.

  1. Improves Exercise Tolerance: EECP Treatment improves exercise tolerance in heart patients by providing oxygen-rich blood, enabling proper function, and preventing strains, ultimately improving their physique.
  2. Reduces Chest Pain (angina): Angina, a painful heart disease symptom, can be reduced or ended by EECP treatment, which improves blood supply to heart muscles, leading to rare and severe signs of angina.
  3. Eases Shortness of Breath: Heart patients experience shortness of breath. EECP therapy for heart improves blood flow to all organs, including the lungs, allowing them to engage in work without becoming breathless.
  4. Reduces Heart Failure Symptoms: EECP Therapy for Heart effectively reduces symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and coughing, by improving blood flow and lowering the heart's workload.
  5. Boosts Quality of Life: EECP Therapy improves stamina, endurance, sleep, heart efficiency, physical and mental well-being, moods, and overall physical activity and challenging activities.

The EECP vs Surgery benefits make EECP Therapy an effective and sustainable option for patients with heart conditions.

When is Surgery Still Necessary?

EECP therapy
  1. Severe Blockages:  Extensive coronary artery blockages or plaques (a fatty, wax-like residue) over 70% can prevent adequate blood flow, requiring surgery like bypass or angioplasty to create new blood flow pathways.
  2. Critical Heart Conditions: Surgery may be the most effective treatment for severe valve damage, advanced heart failure, or coronary heart disease angina, which has not been successfully treated with medicine or EECP therapy.
  3. Advanced Diabetes: Patients with diabetes may develop more severe cardiovascular disease, requiring surgery for complications like poor blood vessel health, which limits EECP’s effectiveness.
  4. Sudden Heart Events: In cases of emergency, like a heart attack or acute blockage, surgery can offer immediate relief and stabilization, which may not be achievable with EECP alone.
  5. Repeated Blockages: If arteries continue to reblock even after EECP, surgical intervention may be necessary to prevent recurring issues and maintain heart health.

Surgery may offer immediate, complete treatment for critical heart conditions, while EECP is beneficial for patients who can safely avoid or delay invasive procedures.

NOTE: Before undergoing EECP or bypass surgery, it's crucial to consult a medical doctor, as the decision depends on the patient's specific circumstances and treatment goals.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, when comparing EECP vs Surgery, EECP therapy stands out as a safer, more affordable, and effective option for many heart patients.

According to the National Library of Medicine, the significant difference between the pre-EECP and post-EECP groups (p < 0.01) indicates that the EECP treatment likely had a positive impact on health-related quality of life.

If you're considering EECP therapy for heart conditions, it's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Consult highly qualified doctor's from Oxymed Hospital,  the best heart hospital in Chennai.

By choosing Oxymed, you may be able to enjoy better heart health with fewer risks and complications.

CONSULT NOW

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