EECP enhanced external counter pulsation

What is EECP?

For people with angina or heart failure, even simple activities — such as going to the mailbox or walking the dog — can be challenging. If you are one of these people, take heart. There is a non-invasive treatment called EECP.

EECP is a therapy program that offers an alternative to surgery, particularly for patients who may not be good candidates for angioplasty or bypass surgery. EECP promotes circulation of blood to the heart to relieve coronary disease, angina and congestive heart failure as effectively as more common surgical procedures.

Patients receive EECP therapy while reclining on a bed with their legs and lower body wrapped in “cuffs” similar to those used for taking blood pressure readings. The cuffs are timed to inflate with air and deflate in coordination with the heart’s pumping rhythm. As the heart relaxes the cuffs inflate, circulating blood into the heart. When the heart pumps, the cuffs deflate, allowing the blood to flow freely through the legs and lower body. Treatments generally last one hour three to five times a week over a seven-week period.