Introduction to ECP / EECP Therapy and its purpose in cardiac care

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive, outpatient therapy aimed at improving blood circulation to the heart, especially for patients with chronic conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD), angina, and heart failure. The therapy involves placing inflatable cuffs around the patient’s calves, thighs, and buttocks, which inflate and deflate in synchronization with the heartbeat. This process increases the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the heart, especially during the diastolic phase (when the heart rests between beats). As the cuffs inflate, they help push blood toward the heart, and during deflation, they allow for efficient blood flow back into the body. Over time, EECP promotes the growth of new blood vessels (collateral circulation) that bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, improving blood supply to the heart.

EECP is particularly beneficial for patients who are not candidates for invasive surgeries like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or angioplasty, or for those whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by medications. It can significantly alleviate chronic angina, reducing chest pain and improving exercise tolerance.

increasing the functional capacity like walking, fewer episodes of chest pain, and better quality of life after undergoing EECP. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with no side effects except like mild leg discomfort or bruising, which have no bearing on long time health.

EECP offers a valuable addition to the array of options available in modern cardiac care, especially for those seeking an alternative to traditional surgical procedures.