- 16 January 2024
OVERVIEW – IS EECP A REPLACEMENT FOR BYPASS OR ANGIOPLASTY?
EECP is not considered a replacement for coronary artery bypass surgery or balloon angioplasty. Instead, EECP may delay the need for these invasive procedures. In many cases, relief will be sufficient to render them unnecessary. EECP is also used in patients who have already undergone surgery or angioplasty but not getting sufficient relief of their symptoms
Understanding Heart Blockages:
Before delving into EECP, it’s crucial to understand what heart blockages are. Coronary artery disease occurs when blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients become narrowed or blocked due to the accumulation of plaque. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain (angina) or, in severe cases, a heart attack.
What is EECP?
Enhanced External Counterpulsation is a non-invasive medical procedure that involves using inflatable cuffs wrapped around the lower limbs. These cuffs inflate and deflate in sync with the cardiac cycle, enhancing blood flow to the coronary arteries and improving overall circulation. The primary goal is to increase blood supply to the heart muscle, especially during the relaxation phase of the heart.
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The Mechanism of EECP:
During an EECP session, patients lie on a treatment table with inflatable cuffs strapped around their calves, thighs, and buttocks. These cuffs are connected to a computerized console that precisely times their inflation and deflation with the heartbeat. As the cuffs inflate, blood is pushed from the legs towards the heart, increasing coronary perfusion. When they deflate, blood is pulled back from the heart to the rest of the body.
Proponents of EECP claim that this process creates a “counterpulsation” effect, reducing the heart’s workload, enhancing collateral circulation, and promoting the formation of new blood vessels, potentially bypassing blockages.
What Benefits Does EECP Therapy Provide?
EECP therapy stands out as a convenient, low-risk, and non-invasive therapeutic option. The following points highlight why it is considered an effective treatment:
Affordability: EECP therapy is remarkably cost-effective as it eliminates the need for surgery and a hospital stay.
Minimal Disruption: It does not disrupt the patient’s regular routine, providing them with the added benefit of increased energy.
Quick Return to Normal Activities: EECP therapy enables patients to promptly return to work and maintain an active lifestyle.
Reduced Angina Attacks: Patients undergoing EECP therapy experience fewer or no angina attacks, and the episodes are less severe. This improvement allows them to travel longer distances without encountering chest discomfort.
Decreased Dependency on Drugs: EECP therapy often reduces the patient’s reliance on antianginal drugs, contributing to a more holistic approach to managing their condition.
Clinical Evidence:
Research on the efficacy of EECP in removing heart blockages is still evolving, and opinions among medical professionals vary. Some studies suggest that EECP can lead to symptom improvement, increased exercise tolerance, and enhanced quality of life for patients with angina. However, it’s crucial to note that while EECP may alleviate symptoms, it doesn’t physically remove plaque from the arteries.
Importantly, EECP is not considered a substitute for conventional treatments like angioplasty or bypass surgery in cases of severe coronary artery disease. These procedures aim to directly address blockages by either widening the narrowed arteries or creating alternative routes for blood flow.
Visit the Oplus Heart Centre:
Oplus heart centre in India is one of the most famous EECP therapy centre and renowned facilities in the world for treating heart disease. The center has been helping people with heart disease for years and has a success rate that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.
This heart care center uses a unique form of treatment called EECP (external counterpulsation) to treat heart disease. This form of treatment is relatively new but has been shown to be incredibly effective in treating heart disease.
The Oplus heart care center has a team of the best doctors who are helping their patients improve their health and quality of life. If you or someone you love is suffering from heart disease, we urge you to contact the Oplus heart care center and learn more about their unique and effective form of treatment.
Conclusion: Can EECP Remove Heart Blockage
Enhanced External Counterpulsation shows promise in improving symptoms and overall cardiovascular function, but it doesn’t “remove” heart blockages in the way that surgical interventions do. Before considering EECP, individuals should consult with their healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their specific condition.
While EECP might be a valuable addition to the arsenal of treatments for certain patients, ongoing research is essential to better understand its long-term benefits and limitations. As with any medical procedure, individual responses can vary, making it crucial for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to make informed decisions about their heart health.
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