A risk-free, cost effective, non invasive and FDA approved heart blockage treatment without surgery for patients who are suffering from chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, pain in the jaw or back or fullness in the chest is EECP.
This treatment can reduce or eliminate the frequency and intensity of chest pain, decrease the need for medication, and greatly improve the ability to participate in activities of daily living.
What does EECP do?
EECP causes immediate and sustained increase in heart’s blood supply by:
- Expanding coronary blood vessels
- Opening unused collateral vessels
- Forming new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
- Increase in diastolic pressure
- Increase in coronary perfusion pressure
- Increased venous return
- Increased cardiac output
Cardiac specialists perform EECP as an outpatient, non-invasive treatment. After a patient lies down, staff members apply electrodes connected to a monitoring electrocardiograph machine. They wrap cuffs around the individual’s thighs, and buttocks.
Air hoses connected to the cuffs inflate and deflate them. Patients report feeling a strong hugging sensation starting in their calves while the cuffs inflate, then a quick pressure release as they deflate. Treatments last approximately an hour.
Who will be benefitted by EECP?
Following types of heart patients suffering from Angina, Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) and congestive Heart Failure benefit from EECP.
- Who suffer even on maximum medicines
- Who are not fit for angioplasty or bypass surgery
- Who do not want angioplasty or bypass surgery
- Who have re-block after angioplasty or bypass surgery
- Cardiogenic shock
However, EECP has also been used in conditions other than coronary heart disease; such as:
- Restless legs syndrome
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hepatorenal syndrome
- Ocular ischemic disease
- Diabetes mellitus, etc.
Though EECP is safe but occasionally, some patients experience mild skin irritation under the areas of the blood pressure cuffs. Experienced EECP therapists address this irritation by using extra padding to make the patient comfortable. Some patients experience a bit more fatigue at the beginning of their course of treatment, but it usually subsides after the first few sessions. In fact, patients typically feel energised by EECP.
But, here’s what patient needs to do:
He / She should continue taking medication at the regular prescribed dosages throughout the course of treatment and consult with a physician as and when needed.