Do you feel chest pain or tightness when you exert yourself, climb stairs, or walk a short distance? Perhaps you have taken the medicine prescribed by your doctor, but this condition does not go away completely. If you are afraid of having heart surgery, or if your doctors say that it is difficult to perform surgery given your health condition, this article will be very important for you. Today we are talking about a special treatment method that is not a surgery, but brings great relief to the heart.
So, what is EECP?
Simply put, EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) is a treatment for chronic stable angina , a condition that has been around for a long time. It is a safe treatment that has even been approved by agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Usually, when the blood vessels in the heart are blocked, the heart does not get the oxygen-rich blood it needs. We call this coronary heart disease . This is what causes angina, which is chest pain. If this pain occurs when you are tired or stressed, and subsides after a little rest, that is called chronic stable angina.
EECP treatment is especially important for those who do not respond to conventional medications and who cannot undergo surgery such as bypass surgery or angioplasty .
How does EECP treatment work?
This is a very wonderful method. Imagine, your heart is working a little harder and is tired. EECP treatment helps the heart from the outside.
During the treatment, special cuffs are placed on your legs and buttocks. These are similar to blood pressure cuffs. According to the rhythm of your heart (monitored by an EKG), the cuffs are filled with air and tighten when your heart is resting. This pushes the blood in your legs back towards your heart. This increases the amount of oxygenated blood that reaches your heart.
Then, as soon as the heart starts to contract (pump) again, the air in the cuff is immediately released. The heart can then pump blood more easily.
As this process continues, new natural bypasses begin to form, allowing blood to bypass the blocked blood vessels in the heart. This is the biggest advantage of this treatment.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
EECP treatment is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will decide whether it is right for you. It may be a good option for someone with the following conditions:
| Eligibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Long-term chest pain | Angina is a condition that occurs and resolves during exercise or stress. |
| Lack of relief from medication | If symptoms cannot be controlled despite taking the prescribed medication. |
| Unsuitability for surgery | For those who are not eligible for surgery such as bypass or angioplasty due to other health problems. |
| Symptoms return after surgery | If symptoms recur after bypass, angioplasty, or stenting. |
Who is EECP not recommended for?
EECP treatment is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions. For example, it is not recommended for pregnant women. Also, if you have any of the following conditions, your doctor may consider a different treatment option:
- Severe heart valve disease
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (uncontrolled hypertension)
- Risk of blood clots
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat, e.g. Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
- Severe peripheral vascular disease
- Pulmonary hypertension
The most important thing is to talk to your cardiologist, not to make decisions about this on your own.
What happens before and during treatment?
Since this is not a surgical procedure, there is nothing to be afraid of. The treatment usually takes about an hour a day.
Before treatment
Before treatment begins, a doctor will examine you and may do an exercise stress test . Shortly before treatment begins, a nurse or technician will:
1. You will be given special pants to wear.
2. 3 EKG straps will be attached to your chest.
3. They attach those special cuffs around the legs and buttocks.
4. A small sensor (finger sensor) is placed on the finger to check the oxygen level.
During treatment
All you have to do is lie down in a comfortable bed. You can read a book, listen to music, or even take a nap. The cuff will tighten and loosen according to the EKG. This may feel a little strange at first, but you will get used to it in a few minutes. You will not feel any pain.
Typically, this treatment is done for 7 weeks, 5 days a week, 1 hour a day, for a total of 35 hours.
What are the benefits and risks of EECP treatment?
As with any treatment, this one can have benefits and minor side effects.
| Advantages | Risks/Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Reduction in chest pain and symptoms. | Minor muscle pain or fatigue. |
| Getting more energy and strength for the body. | Slight redness or bruising of the skin due to the cuff. |
| Being able to exercise and be active without pain. | A condition like numbness of the skin. |
| Being able to reduce the amount of medication taken for angina. | Very rarely, difficulty breathing may occur and hospitalization may be required. |
Emergency! This treatment is not suitable for chronic conditions, but for sudden, severe chest pain (unstable angina). If you experience sudden, severe pain, it may be a sign of a heart attack. Call someone immediately and go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) .
Many people feel well for several years after treatment ends, but some people, especially those who have not completed the required 35 hours, may need a repeat treatment.
Take-Home Message
- EECP is a non-surgical treatment for chronic chest pain (angina).
- This works by applying pressure from outside the heart, increasing blood flow to the heart. This improves heart function.
- This is a very good option for those who cannot be controlled by medication and cannot undergo surgery.
- The treatment is not painful. You just have to lie comfortably on a bed.
- Only your doctor can decide if this treatment is right for you, so talk to him or her about it.
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