External Counterpulsation (ECP) Therapy

What is External counterpulsation?

External Counterpulsation (ECP) or EECP therapy (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) is then utilized on patients suffering from particular heart ailments such as angina, heart failure and CAD or coronary artery disease.

Need for External Counterpulsation Treatment

ECP is an outpatient procedure which helps in increasing blood flow in to the heart and also with reduction in the workload of the heart muscle. It is primarily used for:

• Chronic stable angina (chest pain due to heart disease)
• Heart failure (low ejection fraction)
• Peripheral vascular disease risk factors (atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral vascular disease in diabetic patients)

Who is eligible for EECP therapy?

Ideal Candidates for EECP Therapy are:

• Patients with Chronic Stable Angina (Recurring Chest Pain)
• Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (Blocked Heart Arteries)
• Patients with Heart Failure (Weak Heart Pumping)
• Patients with Microvascular Angina (Small Vessel Disease)
• Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
• Patients Who Had a Heart Attack (Post-Myocardial Infarction)
• High-Risk Patients Who Cannot Have Surgery

Symptoms leading to External Counterpulsation Treatment

ECP is used for patients suffering from chronic cardiac symptoms, which are not manageable using drugs or other therapies. Below are some of the symptoms associated with the lack of good circulation of blood in the human body as well as the heart. Common Symptoms That May Lead to ECP Treatment:

• Chest Pain (Angina)
• Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
• Fatigue and Low Energy
• Poor Circulation Symptoms
• Frequent Hospitalizations for Heart Conditions

Risk Factors of ECP Treatment

ECP is not a surgical procedure, and its side effects are not serious and are rarely seen in patients with cardiovascular illnesses, but should not be taken by certain patients. There are some circumstances that will cause ECP to be less effective or even risky for the patient. Some of the risk factors are:

• Leg Discomfort or Bruising
• Mild Swelling in Legs or Feet
• Fatigue or Dizziness
• Skin Irritation

What conditions can EECP therapy treat?

Common conditions that EECP therapy can treat are:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Blocked Heart Arteries
• Chronic Stable Angina (Recurring Chest Pain)
• Heart Failure (Weak Heart Pumping - Low Ejection Fraction)
• Microvascular Angina (Small Vessel Disease)
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – Poor Circulation in Legs
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Leading to Heart Strain
• Diabetes-Related Heart and Circulation Issues

How does EECP therapy work?

• The patient rests on a treatment table and two cuffs which are used in administering blood pressure are put around the legs; calves, thighs and buttocks.
• These cuffs are used and are inflated and deflated in pulse rhythm through an ECG (electrocardiogram).
• Inflation occurs during diastole (the heart muscle relaxes), which subsequently increases blood pressure towards the heart and enhancing oxygen supply.
• Blood flow is decreased before systole, making the workload of the heart to reduce hence making deflation to occur at the right time.

Is EECP therapy a common procedure?

Yes, EECP therapy is a common procedure worldwide as it is a non-invasive treatment suitable for patients who cannot undergo surgery such as those with chronic stable angina, heart failure and poor circulation.

What are the advantages of EECP therapy?

• Enhances circulation of blood and oxygen in the heart
• Improves the common symptoms of angina (chest pain) and shortness of breath
• Increases energy and exercise capacity
• This reduces the pressure on the heart and makes it perform less effort to pump blood through the body.
• Promotes the development of branches of blood vessels, collateral circulation.
• Non-invasive option to be used instead of angioplasty or stent intervention

What is the recovery time for EECP?

• Do not require hospital admission or bed rest.
• In most of the cases, patients perceive relief after 10-15 sittings.
• In most cases, the benefits are reaped when one is through with 35 sittings.
• It may last up to 5 years, but this will greatly depend on the lifestyle that the patient assumes as well as the general health of the heart.

Success Rate of EECP Treatment

The treatment makes symptom free about 75-90% of the patient as well as chest pain free, enhances exercise tolerance; at-least more than 85% of the patient finds increased energy and breathless.

Best Hospitals for EECP Treatment

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket
• Apollo Hospital, New Delhi

Best Doctors for EECP Treatment

• Dr. Kuldeep Arora
• Dr. Sanjay Mittal
• Dr. Nikhil Kumar
• Dr. Balbir Singh
• Dr. Amit Mittal

Conclusion

EECP has been described to be a highly effective and non-invasive technique for relieving chronic anginal pain, heart failure and poor peripheral circulation. Most patients’ probability of success ranges from 75-90%, were able to experience less chest pain, increased endurance and better heart function after attending 35 sessions. The therapy helps to develop an entirely new network of blood vessels (collateral circulation) and does not require such extreme measures as, for instance, bypass surgery or angioplasty. However, the effectiveness of EECP treatment is that the patient does not require any downtime after the procedure. Some effects are long-term: up to five years; but to prolong good results, the patient must stay healthy. Therefore, EECP is advantageous to patients who cannot undergo surgery or patients who prefer not to undergo surgery for the treatment of heart disease.

Why Choose Get Well Go for EECP treatment?

Opting Get Well Go for EECP treatment has a number of benefits because this health-care center is patient-oriented and experienced in managing complicated diseases. Here’s why it might be an excellent choice for EECP treatment:

• Expert Medical Team
• Advanced Surgical Technology
• Language Support
• Travel Assistance
• Accommodation Support
• Visa Assistance

FAQ

1. What is EECP Therapy?

• EECP is another treatment that works closely with the heart employing inflatable cuffs placed outside the body’s extremities to fashion blood circulation in the legs. It assists to increase a supply of blood rich with oxygen, thus lowering pain in the chest or angina and increasing the heart performance.

2. How long does EECP treatment take?

• Each session lasts 1 hour.
• A full course of treatment is 35 sessions which means that the sessions are conducted five days a week for seven weeks.

3. How Soon Will I See Results?

• Most patients have noticed cases of improvement after 10 – 15 sessions.
• When the entire 35 sessions are through, the maximum results are achieved.

4. How to book a consultation with GetWellGo for EECP treatment?

• Contact no: +91-9289678787
• Email: care@getwellgo.com
• Webpage link: https://getwellgo.com/