EECP treatment improves your cardiovascular function. The treatment was developed 50 years ago by Harvard University as a non-invasive procedure for chest pain and other cardiovascular diseases. The procedure forms new blood vessels around the blocked arteries, improving your exercise tolerance power and reducing chest pain. EECP targets your cardiovascular system but is linked to improved circulation throughout your vital organs. In addition to improving cardiovascular health, this non-invasive procedure is used for a vast range of medical conditions, including blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
You Are an Eligible Candidate for This Natural Bypass Treatment If:
- You have been experiencing consistent chest pain that increases with physical exercises or other strenuous activities that put pressure on your chest.
- The pain doesn’t alleviate with medications.
- You are unfit for an invasive treatment.
- You experience chest pain after surgical treatment, like bypass surgery or stenting.
To know more about your eligibility for EECP, discuss your medical history and the current symptoms with our healthcare specialist. The procedure is safe for people of all ages and health conditions. However, the therapy is not for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also not advisable for people with pacemakers or an existing medical condition that might interfere with the EECP therapy. For instance, patients diagnosed with the following conditions should consider an alternative treatment:
- Pulmonary hypertension
- High blood pressure
- Congenital heart disease
- Fast heart rate
- Hemorrhage
What Is EECP Treatment?
EECP is a therapy that has received FDA approval. EECP works to relieve heart disease symptoms by promoting better blood circulation through the heart muscles.
To provide this type of treatment, inflatable inflatable pneumatic cuffs are applied to the calf/legs/upper thighs (the knees) and to the hips. Each cuff/gauge inflates/deflates in rhythm with the HR(s) of the patient. This process provides oxygenated blood to the heart in the resting phase of HR(s), thus improving blood flow and relieving stress on the heart.
EECP is a painless procedure that is performed while the patient lies down comfortably on a treatment table.
How Does EECP Work?
Simply put, EECP is a non-invasive treatment that improves your heart’s blood supply in the following ways:
- Stimulating new blood vessels
- Collateral opening
By creating small blood vessels, EECP focuses on directing the blood flow through these new vessels instead of narrowed or clogged arteries. This process of forming a new network of arteries for improved blood circulation is called “collateral circulation.” While it’s possible to improve collateral circulation through cardiovascular exercises, the process might take many years.
EECP speeds up the collateral opening. Minimum 35 sessions of this therapy are all you need to stimulate collateral that would otherwise take 5-6 years of physical exercises and strenuous cardiovascular practices. Note that EECP works well with physical exercises. Just because you are getting the EECP sessions doesn’t mean you no longer need physical training. The exercises and therapy should be combined for the best results.
As mentioned earlier, EECP is called a natural bypass because of its ability to improve blood circulation to the heart muscles that lack adequate blood and oxygen supply. Do not confuse EECP with a surgical procedure, like angioplasty or bypass surgery that can remove the blockage completely. While it improves blood circulation, it doesn’t unblock the clogged arteries.
Benefits of EECP Treatment
EECP is often considered the last resort when no other treatment plan is viable. Any blockage in the blood vessels can lead to heart complications. There is a higher risk of heart attack and heart failure due to a partial or complete blockage of the arteries. This blockage is caused by poor vascular health. That’s why the doctors recommend bypass surgery or angioplasty to help improve vascular health. If none of the treatments work or the patient is not fit for the surgery, EECP seems the best solution.
In addition to cardiovascular health, EECP has been shown to fix many diseases, like diabetes, stroke, and dementia. The EECP procedure focuses on improving the blood flow to the vital organs, which can help improve many issues. Here’s how EECP sessions are beneficial for people diagnosed with heart diseases:
- Reduced risk of chest pain due to angina
- Higher energy levels
- Improved functioning of your heart
- Improved capacity of your heart pumping blood
- No need for strenuous physical exercises
- Long-lasting results
- Improved blood supply to your heart muscles
- Low nitroglycerin use
- Safe and risk-free procedure
- Normalize your blood pressure
- Improved supply of oxygen-rich blood to your vital organs
- Prevent stiff arteries
- Reduced risk of heart failure, heart attack, and strokes
EECP improves arterial function. Again, it’s important to note that EECP doesn’t eliminate blockages or fix the partial or completely clogged arteries. It rather forms new collateral, which acts as the natural bypass and promotes proper blood flow throughout your body.
