- 30 April 2024
Power of EECP Therapy: EECP therapy, practiced in India, offers a solution for chronic stable angina, a persistent chest discomfort that doesn’t respond to conventional treatments. It’s also recommended for those unsuitable for heart surgery yet needing enhanced blood flow to the heart.
Using pressure, EECP therapy boosts blood circulation, sans any invasive measures, making it suitable for outpatient settings. Typically spanning seven weeks, this therapy aims to lessen medication dependency and enhance physical endurance, often with minimal side effects. Your healthcare provider can determine if you qualify for this treatment.
Know in Hindi:
Definition of Angina
Angina, a symptom of coronary heart disease, refers to insufficient oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart due to narrowed or blocked arteries. In cases of chronic stable angina, symptoms like chest pain or weakness may arise intermittently during physical activity or periods of stress.
Medical conditions treatable with EECP therapy include:
- Coronary artery disease/blockage
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Primary hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Persistent symptoms post-CABG/Angioplasty
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
Additionally, EECP may aid in various other ailments such as heart failure, kidney failure, left ventricular dysfunction (an early stage of heart failure), pulmonary disease, and peripheral artery disease (vascular disease).
However, EECP is not effective for unstable angina, also termed acute coronary syndrome. Unlike chronic stable angina, unstable angina presents with more intense, frequent, and prolonged symptoms, often occurring suddenly, even during rest.
How does EECP work?
EECP therapy works by applying pressure to the blood vessels in the lower limbs, prompting increased blood flow towards the heart and enhancing its efficiency. Consequently, symptoms reduce as the heart becomes more adept at pumping.
Moreover, this treatment can stimulate the formation of new pathways within the cardiovascular system, aiding blood flow to the heart. Eventually, these pathways evolve into “natural bypass” vessels, easing angina symptoms in cases where coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked.
Who requires EECP treatment?
You could be a candidate for EECP therapy if you:
- Experience recurring chest discomfort or pressure during physical activity or stress.
- Find no relief from medication.
- Encounter recurrent symptoms after undergoing invasive procedures like bypass surgery, angioplasty, or stenting.
Who should avoid EECP treatment?
Consult your healthcare provider to ascertain your suitability for EECP therapy. It’s not recommended for pregnant individuals. Alternative options may be proposed for those with pacemakers or specific medical conditions such as:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Blood clots
- Congenital heart disease
- Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart)
- Heart valve disease
- Hemorrhage
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Pulmonary hypertension (PH)
- Severe peripheral vascular disease
EECP Procedure Overview
Before commencing EECP therapy, a healthcare professional conducts a physical examination and an exercise stress test, explaining the procedure and equipment to be used.
Just before treatment initiation, a healthcare provider guides through the following steps:
- Begin by emptying the bladder and donning the designated treatment pants.
- Apply three adhesive patches, called electrocardiogram (EKG) patches, on the chest. Additionally, inflatable cuffs are placed around the legs and buttocks, connected to air hoses.
- Provide a finger sensor to monitor blood oxygen and pressure levels, aiding in therapy adjustment for optimal results.
- During EECP therapy, individuals recline on a cushioned table, relaxing or dozing off while air is pumped into the cuffs around their lower limbs. The cuffs gradually tighten as therapy progresses, reaching the desired pressure.
- The inflation and deflation of cuffs, synchronized with ECG and blood pressure monitors, are timed to the heartbeat. Inflation occurs during the heart’s resting phase, enhancing blood flow to arteries supplying the heart. Subsequently, cuffs rapidly deflate, aiding the heart’s pumping function.
Once accustomed, therapy is typically comfortable without pain or discomfort. After treatment, individuals can resume their normal activities.
What are the advantages of undergoing EECP therapy?
Studies indicate that many individuals have reported sustained symptom relief for several years after receiving EECP treatment in India. They mention experiencing:
- Reduced risk of stroke and heart attack
- Ability to maintain a normal lifestyle during treatment
- Decreased reliance on medications
- Minimal blood loss and pain
- Increased energy levels
- Enhanced capacity for physical activities or exercise without symptoms.
How long is the recovery period after EECP?
Hospitalization isn’t required for EECP therapy in India. You can resume your usual activities immediately after treatment. If you experience any adverse reactions, notify your healthcare provider.
Following treatment, many individuals have noted lasting reductions in angina symptoms and improved blood circulation, lasting for several years. In some cases, additional rounds of EECP therapy may be needed.
Conclusion
EECP therapy represents a significant advancement in the field of cardiovascular medicine, offering a safe, effective, and non-invasive option for individuals with coronary artery disease, angina, and heart failure. As awareness of EECP therapy continues to grow and its benefits become more widely recognized, it is poised to play a crucial role in improving cardiac care and enhancing the quality of life for patients across India. With its proven efficacy, minimal side effects, and long-lasting benefits, EECP therapy stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking relief from cardiovascular ailments.
