EECP – Non-invasive Method for Improving Circulation and Heart Health

In the field of cardiology, the search for innovative and safe methods to treat cardiovascular diseases is ongoing. One such promising approach is EECP, or Enhanced External Counter Pulsation. This non-invasive therapy offers new opportunities to improve circulation, reduce symptoms of angina and heart failure, and enhance the quality of life for patients for whom traditional treatments may be contraindicated or insufficiently effective.

What is EECP and How Does It Work?
Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) is an outpatient procedure where special pneumatic cuffs, similar to blood pressure cuffs, are placed on a patient’s lower extremities. These cuffs inflate and deflate in precise synchronization with the patient’s cardiac cycle, monitored by an electrocardiogram (ECG).

The main mechanism of EECP is creating an “external pump” effect that helps the heart function more efficiently:

• Cuff inflation during diastole (heart relaxation phase): At this moment, the heart fills with blood. Inflating the cuffs on the legs increases venous return to the heart, leading to a larger blood volume being pumped out during the next contraction (systole). Additionally, it increases the pressure in the aorta during diastole, improving the blood supply to the coronary arteries – the vessels that nourish the heart muscle.  
• Cuff deflation just before systole (heart contraction phase): The rapid deflation of the cuffs reduces resistance to blood flow in the aorta, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. The reduction in afterload decreases the heart’s workload and oxygen demand.  

In this way, EECP indirectly “trains” the cardiovascular system, improving circulation, reducing the heart’s workload, and promoting the formation of new small blood vessels (collaterals) to bypass blocked arteries.

Applications of EECP
EECP is widely used to treat various cardiovascular diseases and conditions:

• Angina: Chest pain caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. EECP is especially effective for patients with chronic stable angina, refractory angina (resistant to medication), and microvascular angina (syndrome X).  
• Heart failure: A condition in which the heart cannot efficiently pump blood to meet the body’s needs. EECP can improve heart function, reduce shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.  
• Ischemic heart disease (IHD): The therapy is beneficial for patients with IHD who are not candidates for surgery (stenting or bypass) or for those for whom these procedures have been ineffective.  
• Cardiovascular complications prevention: In some cases, EECP may be considered as part of a comprehensive prevention program for patients at high risk of heart events.  

How Does the EECP Procedure Work?
The EECP treatment course typically consists of a series of daily sessions conducted on an outpatient basis. Each session lasts about an hour. Here are the main stages of the procedure:

• Preparation: The patient comfortably lies on a special table. Pneumatic cuffs are placed on the legs (from the thighs to the ankles), and ECG electrodes are attached to the chest to monitor heart rhythm. An arterial pressure sensor may also be installed.  
• Therapy start: After the equipment is set up, the cuffs inflate and deflate sequentially, synchronized with the patient’s cardiac cycle. The cuffs inflate during diastole and deflate just before systole. The patient may feel moderate pressure in the legs during the cuff inflation.  
• Monitoring: Throughout the session, the medical staff closely monitors the patient’s ECG and blood pressure to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.  
• Session end: After an hour, the cuffs deflate, and the electrodes and sensors are removed. The patient can resume normal activities immediately.  

A standard EECP treatment course usually includes 35 sessions, performed 5 days a week for 7 weeks. However, the duration and frequency of sessions may be adjusted individually by the doctor depending on the patient’s condition and response to therapy.

Benefits of EECP – Treatment without Risks or Surgery
EECP has several significant advantages that make it a valuable tool in a cardiologist’s arsenal:

• Non-invasiveness: The procedure does not require surgery, incisions, punctures, or catheter insertion.  
• High safety profile: The therapy is considered safe, with minimal side effects. The most common side effects are mild discomfort in the legs or fatigue after the session.  
• Improved quality of life: Many patients report a significant reduction in angina symptoms, increased tolerance to physical exertion, less shortness of breath, and improved general well-being.  
• Long-lasting effects: Positive results from the course remain for several years.  
• Treatment for patients with contraindications for invasive procedures: EECP may be the only treatment option for patients who cannot undergo stenting or bypass due to comorbidities or anatomical factors.  
• Stimulation of natural mechanisms: The technology stimulates the body’s compensatory mechanisms, such as angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).  

Enhanced External Counter Pulsation is a valuable and safe non-invasive treatment method for many patients with cardiovascular diseases, especially for those suffering from angina and heart failure. By improving circulation, reducing the heart’s workload, and stimulating natural recovery processes, it opens new possibilities for improving health and quality of life without the need for surgery. If you or your loved ones are facing cardiovascular problems, discuss with your doctor the possibility of using EECP as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. You can also order the equipment from us: https://www.dodpowerpack.com.