Michigan Medicine heart patient George Forbes receiving EECP treatment.
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is performed as a non-invasive treatment to lower the number and intensity of angina episodes approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Treatment is administered through three pairs of external inflatable cuffs that are applied around the lower legs, upper legs, and buttocks. These cuffs continuously inflate and deflate between the resting period of the heartbeat and increase blood returned to the heart.
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 also decreases how hard the heart must work but on a much greater scale, especially for people with damaged heart tissue.
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.
Individuals are eligible for treatment if they have been diagnosed with disabling stable angina (Class III or IV Canadian Cardiovascular Society or equivalent classification), who in the opinion of a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon, are not readily amenable to surgical intervention because:
Your healthcare provider may recommend EECP if you have:
EECP cannot treat unstable angina (acute coronary syndrome). This type of angina causes more severe, more frequent and longer-lasting symptoms. Symptoms develop suddenly, even while you rest. Call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room if this occurs. You could be having a heart attack.
Complications from treatment are usually minor. Most people don’t experience any major side effects, discomfort or complications. In rare cases, people develop shortness of breath, requiring hospitalization and treatment.
Typical side effects include fatigue or muscle aches. Some people experience blisters or mild skin irritation due to the equipment. Others may have:
