Integrative Medicine

What is EECP therapy?

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy is chest pain therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It treats long-term chest pain or pressure (chronic stable angina) that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
EECP therapy uses pressure to improve your blood flow. It's a noninvasive, outpatient treatment.

How does EECP therapy work?

EECP treatment applies pressure to blood vessels in your lower limbs. The pressure increases blood flow back to your heart, so your heart works better. When your heart pumps better, symptoms ease.
This type of therapy can also encourage blood vessels to open new pathways for blood to flow to your heart. These pathways eventually become "natural bypass" vessels that help relieve symptoms of angina if your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked.

What happens during EECP therapy?

During EECP therapy, you relax or nap on a padded table while air fills the cuffs around your lower limbs. You'll feel the cuffs grow tighter around your legs and bottom until they reach full treatment pressure.
EKG and blood pressure monitors synchronize inflation and deflation with your heartbeat. The cuffs inflate as soon as your heart rests, increasing blood supply to the arteries that deliver blood to your heart. Then they quickly deflate to make it easier for your heart to pump again.
Once you get used to the sensation, therapy should be comfortable. It shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort. You can return to your regular daily routine after treatment.

Who Benefit from EECP therapy?

Vascular disease

Old stroke, or high risk for stroke, peripheral vascular disease, poor limb circulation.

Heart disease

stable angina, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy.

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