What is EECP therapy?
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a revolutionary non-invasive, low-risk outpatient therapy approved by the FDA and designed to improve blood flow to the heart and alleviate symptoms of angina and heart failure.
By increasing the oxygen-rich blood supply to your heart, EECP offers a safe and effective alternative for patients who are not candidates for other treatments, such as angioplasty, bypass surgery, or medication therapy and for patients who seek relief from heart-related conditions without surgery.
What is angina?
Angina is a sign of coronary heart disease that affects more than 10 million Americans. 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.
External counterpulsation therapy encourages 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.
What conditions can EECP therapy treat?
Heart failure: EECP can improve symptoms in patients with heart failure, particularly those with preserved ejection fraction.
Chronic stable angina: EECP is often used for patients with angina who are not good candidates for surgery.
High cholesterol: EECP therapy provides effective high cholesterol treatment, ensuring the holistic health of the heart.
Diabetic patients with CAD: EECP can be beneficial for patients with diabetes who have coronary artery disease, particularly if they are unable to undergo invasive procedures.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): although less common, EECP is sometimes considered for patients with PAD, as it may help improve blood flow to the extremities.
External cunterpulsation therapy can also help with other conditions, including:
Cardiac syndrome X (a type of angina).
Left ventricular dysfunction (an early stage of heart failure).
Lung disease (pulmonary disease).
EECP therapy 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.
How does EECP work?
Inflation and Deflation—The cuffs inflate just before the heart pumps (systole) and deflate just as the heart relaxes (diastole). This inflation creates a pressure that pushes blood from the lower extremities towards the heart.
Increased Coronary Blood Flow—The pulsatile pressure enhances blood flow through the coronary arteries, improving the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This can help alleviate angina symptoms and promote healing in the heart tissue.
Improved Cardiac Function—Over time, EECP may help improve overall cardiac function and stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in the heart, a process known as angiogenesis.
Who is eligible for EECP therapy?
The best hospitals for EECP therapy in Chennai like Oxymed offer state-of-the-art non-invasive treatments. You may be eligible for EECP therapy if you:
Have long-term chest pain that comes and goes during physical activity or stress.
No longer experience relief with medication.
Don’t qualify for an invasive procedure like surgery.
Experience renewed symptoms after an invasive procedure such as bypass surgery, angioplasty, or stenting.
Who should not undergo EECP therapy?
EECP therapy isn’t recommended for people who are pregnant. A healthcare provider will evaluate a patient's overall health, medical history, and specific cardiac issues to determine if EECP is a suitable option.
Providers may recommend other options for people who have pacemakers or conditions such as:
Aortic insufficiency and atrial fibrillation
Congenital heart disease.
Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly).
Heart valve disease.
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Irregular heartbeat and fast heart rate (tachycardia).
Pulmonary hypertension (PH).
Severe peripheral vascular disease.
Procedure overview
Preparation: The patient is typically asked to lie down on a treatment table. Electrodes may be placed on the chest to monitor the heart’s activity during the procedure.
Cuff Placement: Specialized inflatable cuffs are wrapped around the patient’s calves, thighs, and buttocks. These cuffs are connected to a computer-controlled system that regulates their inflation and deflation.
Treatment Cycle: The procedure involves a series of treatment cycles, usually lasting 35 to 60 minutes each. During a session, the cuffs inflate sequentially, starting from the lower legs and moving upward. This inflation occurs just before the heart pumps (systole) and deflates as the heart relaxes (diastole).
Pressure and Blood Flow: The inflation of the cuffs creates a pulsating pressure that helps push blood from the lower extremities towards the heart. This increased pressure enhances coronary blood flow and improves oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.
Duration and Frequency: A typical EECP regimen consists of 35 to 40 sessions over several weeks. Each session is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
Post-Treatment: After each session, the patient can return to normal activities immediately. Some patients may experience mild soreness or bruising at the cuff sites, but side effects are generally minimal.
Benefits of EECP Therapy:
Improved blood flow and oxygenation
The pneumatic cuffs used during the treatment increase venous return to the heart, boosting the blood volume that reaches the coronary arteries.
Reduction in Angina Symptoms
EECP has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of angina episodes by removing the blockages of the coronary arteries.
Enhanced exercise tolerance and stamina—EECP treatment for the heart has been shown to improve exercise capacity, allowing patients to engage in physical activities with greater ease and endurance.
Non-invasive and safe—EECP does not involve any incisions, anaesthesia, or recovery time. This makes it a safe and attractive option for patients.
Potential Reduction in Medication Use—By improving blood flow and reducing angina symptoms, EECP may allow some patients to decrease their reliance on medications.
Long-Lasting Benefits—The positive effects of EECP, such as improved blood flow, reduced angina symptoms, and enhanced exercise tolerance, can persist for months or even years after the completion of a treatment course.
A holistic approach to heart health—By improving blood flow throughout the body, EECP supports the health of multiple organ systems, not just the heart.
Risks associated with EECP therapy
Complications from treatment are usually minor. Most people don’t experience any major side effects, discomfort, or complications. In rare cases, people develop shortness of breath, requiring hospitalization and treatment.
Typical side effects include fatigue or muscle aches. Some people experience blisters or mild skin irritation due to the equipment.
Others may have:
Bruises.
Fatigue.
Muscle or joint discomfort.
Numbness or tingling.
Pressure sores.
Why choose EECP at Oxymed Hospital?
At Oxymed Hospital, pioneers in the field of non-invasive and non-surgical treatments with a strong faith that not all patients require surgical treatments, we pride ourselves on offering the most advanced EECP therapy in Chennai.
Our team of experienced cardiologists and healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing personalised care tailored to your unique needs. We ensure a comfortable, cost-effective, and supportive environment throughout your treatment journey.
Research and recognition:
Dr. Sama Akbar at Oxymed, is recognised as a pioneer in the field of non-invasive cardiology, particularly for his work in promoting external counterpulsation therapy as a viable treatment option for patients with various heart conditions. His efforts have helped increase awareness and acceptance of EECP therapy in India and globally.
Chief Ayaz Akbar, MD, in alternative medicine, was the recipient of the Award of Excellence in 2008 for treating more than 6,000 cardiac patients by employing non-invasive solutions.
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