
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive treatment that can help alleviate symptoms of angina and heart failure. It involves the use of cuffs placed on the patient’s legs that are inflated and deflated in sync with the heartbeat. This causes an increase in blood flow to the heart, improving oxygen supply to the heart muscle. In this article, we’ll discuss the various aspects of EECP, including how it works, its benefits, side effects, the EECP machine, its use in heart failure and angina, and its effectiveness.
How Does EECP Work?
EECP treatment involves the use of cuffs placed around the patient’s legs and buttocks. The cuffs are inflated and deflated in sync with the patient’s heartbeat. This inflation and deflation help increase blood flow to the heart by improving the function of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscles.
When the cuffs are inflated, blood is forced towards the heart, increasing the pressure in the arteries. When the cuffs deflate, the pressure in the arteries decreases, allowing blood to flow back to the heart more easily. This process is known as counterpulsation.
EECP Treatment Procedure
EECP treatment typically takes place over a series of sessions, with each session lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. During each session, the patient lies on a bed, and cuffs are placed around the patient’s calves, thighs, and buttocks. These cuffs are connected to an air compressor that controls the inflation and deflation of the cuffs.
The inflation and deflation of the cuffs cause a rhythmic squeezing of the legs, which helps push blood towards the heart. Patients may experience a tingling sensation in their legs during the procedure, but the treatment is generally painless.
EECP Therapy Benefits
EECP therapy has several benefits, including:
- Improved blood flow to the heart: EECP therapy helps improve blood flow to the heart by increasing the function of the coronary arteries.
- Reduced symptoms of angina: EECP therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of angina, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- Improved exercise tolerance: Patients who undergo EECP therapy have been shown to have an improved exercise tolerance.
- Reduced need for medication: EECP therapy can help reduce the need for medication in patients with heart failure and angina.
EECP Therapy Side Effects
EECP therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, some patients may experience mild side effects, including:
- Mild discomfort or pain in the legs during treatment
- Mild skin irritation around the cuffs
- Fatigue or lightheadedness after treatment
- Mild headache
- Nausea
EECP Heart Failure
EECP therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for heart failure. It can help improve symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs. EECP therapy can also improve the heart’s ability to pump blood, which can reduce the risk of hospitalization and improve the patient’s quality of life.
EECP Angina
EECP therapy is an effective treatment for angina. It can help reduce the frequency and severity of angina attacks and improve exercise tolerance. EECP therapy can also help reduce the need for medication in patients with angina.
EECP for Coronary Artery Disease
EECP therapy can be used as a treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a condition where the arteries that
supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked, which can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and other complications.
EECP therapy can improve blood flow to the heart and reduce symptoms of angina in patients with CAD. It can also improve the function of the coronary arteries, which can reduce the risk of future heart events.
EECP Near Me
If you’re interested in undergoing EECP therapy, you can search for “EECP near me” to find clinics or medical centers that offer the treatment in your area. It’s important to choose a reputable facility that has experience in providing EECP therapy. You may visit Blessono EECP Health Screening Centre at Bukit Jalil.
EECP Malaysia
EECP therapy is available in Malaysia, and there are several clinics and medical centers that offer the treatment. Patients in Malaysia can search for “EECP Malaysia” to find clinics that offer the therapy in their area.
EECP Treatment Disadvantages
While EECP therapy has several benefits, there are some potential disadvantages to consider. These include:
- Time commitment: EECP therapy typically requires multiple sessions, which can be time-consuming for patients.
- Cost: EECP therapy can be expensive, and it may not be covered by insurance in some cases.
- Limited availability: EECP therapy may not be available in all areas, and patients may need to travel to undergo the treatment.
EECP Treatment Price
The cost of EECP therapy can vary depending on the location and the clinic offering the treatment. Patients can expect to pay several thousand dollars range of RM200 to RM450 per session.
EECP vs Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a surgical procedure that involves the use of a balloon catheter to widen a narrowed or blocked artery. While angioplasty is a more invasive procedure than EECP therapy, it can be more effective in treating severe cases of coronary artery disease.
EECP therapy is a non-invasive treatment that is generally used for milder cases of coronary artery disease. It can be an effective treatment for improving blood flow to the heart and reducing symptoms of angina.
EECP for Heart Blockage
EECP therapy can be used to improve blood flow to the heart in patients with heart blockage. However, the effectiveness of EECP therapy in treating heart blockage may depend on the severity and location of the blockage. In some cases, more invasive treatments, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, may be necessary.
Is EECP Treatment Effective?
EECP therapy has been shown to be effective in improving blood flow to the heart, reducing symptoms of angina, and improving exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure and angina. However, the effectiveness of EECP therapy may vary depending on the individual patient and the severity of their condition.
In conclusion, EECP therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help improve blood flow to the heart, reduce symptoms of angina, and improve exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure and angina. While the treatment has several benefits, it’s important to consider the potential disadvantages and to choose a reputable facility that has experience in providing EECP therapy. Patients should also consult with their healthcare provider to determine if EECP therapy is an appropriate treatment option for their individual case.