Health Resource Center
Angina Therapy Program
Mar 22nd 2010
EECP
is a treatment for coronary artery disease that has recently been developed and has been shown to
be of benefit to patients who suffer from chest pain (angina)
and in whom more traditional therapies, such as coronary
artery bypass surgery and PTCA, are not recommended.
EECP consists of a system of cuffs that are placed on the
calves, thighs and hips. The cuffs are like those used to check blood pressure.
These cuffs are rapidly inflated and deflated. They are timed to the heartbeat
utilizing a heart monitor, inflating with air when the heart relaxes and
deflating when the heart pumps. Patients undergo this type of treatment for one
hour at a time, five times a week, for a seven week treatment period.
Click here to see a video on how EECP works
The types of patients in whom EECP would likely be
recommended and in whom benefit is likely to occur are those who are limited by
their angina
either because of frequently recurrent chest discomfort or other symptoms
caused by blockages such as breathlessness with exertion. This is particularly
true if attempts to control symptoms with medical therapy have been of limited
success. Congestive heart failure is another possible indication and is
currently being investigated.
EECP has been shown to improve symptoms and exercise
tolerance in 70% of appropriately selected patients.
The mechanism by which EECP accomplishes this is felt to
be through promotion of “collateral circulation”. Collateral circulation is a
“natural” bypass that the cardiac circulation is able to “grow” around areas of
blockage.
EECP is a safe treatment which is done as an outpatient
and is currently covered by most insurance companies including Medicare.
Is the program right for you?
Have you tried other angina or heart failure treatments with limited success?
Do any of the symptoms below limit your daily activities or occur even at rest?
• Chest pain, pressure, tightness
• Pain in jaw, arm, shoulder or back
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
If the answer is yes to any of the above, please ask your physician if EECP is an option for you or call 513-792-7826 to learn more about our Angina Treatment Program.