EECP uses inflatable cuffs on the lower limbs to create pressure and encourage better blood flow.
Major medical organizations suggest considering EECP treatment for those with angina who are not helped by other options.
This article explains how EECP therapy works, its effectiveness, and its risks.
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It also covers when healthcare providers recommend it.
How Does EECP Therapy Work?
Inflation of the cuffs is triggered early indiastole(when the heart relaxes and is filled with blood).
Deflation occurs just as systole (heart contraction) begins.
How Long Does EECP Therapy Take?
EECP involves a series of outpatient treatments.
Youll receive five one-hour sessions per week for seven weeks.
The 35 total sessions are aimed at provoking long-lasting beneficial changes in the circulatory system.
EECP Therapy Benefits
EECP is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In addition, those being treated can tell pretty definitively whether it substantially reduces angina symptoms.
For some, this long COVID related to blood vessel damage has serious impacts.
How Long Do the Benefits of EECP Therapy Last?
Many people report an improvement in symptoms by the fifth or sixth week of treatment.
Most people say symptoms begin to improve by the last couple of weeks of the seven-week treatment.
About 20% of those who get EECP will need repeat treatment.
This is more common in people who didnt complete the full seven weeks.
Risks of EECP Therapy
EECP therapy does not usually cause significant side effects.
This side effect may require medical intervention, including hospitalization.
What Conditions Can EECP Therapy Treat?
Who Should Not Get EECP Therapy?
EECP can be somewhat uncomfortable but is generally not painful.
In studies, the large majority of patients have tolerated the procedure quite well.
However, not everyone can have EECP therapy.
You probably should not have EECP if you have:
Why Isnt EECP Used More Often?
Treatment availability also may be a factor, because not all communities have accessible EECP equipment.
Patient travel time can be a barrier to keeping appointments and completing the necessary full course of EECP treatment.
What Does EECP Treatment Cost?
Medicare has approved coverage for EECP for patients with angina who have exhausted all other treatment options.
EECP works by using inflatable cuffs to apply pressure to your lower legs.
The pressure is synchronized to your heartbeat to improve blood flow and heart function.
Its also a comparatively affordable treatment.
Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about whether EECP treatment is an option for you.
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