EECP

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is noninvasive treatment for chest pain (angina), a condition that affects about 10 million Americans. At Sacramento Heart & Vascular Medical Associates, the elite board-certified cardiovascular specialists offer the most advanced comprehensive care available in Northern California. They offer EECP in two locations in Sacramento and an additional office in Davis, to make getting the angina care you need easy and convenient. Call an office or click on the online scheduler today. 

What is EECP?

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive treatment for chronic stable angina, the most common form of angina (chest pain). This treatment uses controlled pressure to boost the blood supply to the arteries that serve your heart. EECP helps the arteries open wider and decreases stress on your heart muscle.

With chronic stable angina, your chest pain is predictable. It occurs regularly, lasts the same amount of time, and typically occurs during physical exertion or periods of stress. EECP can improve your blood flow and ease your angina symptoms. 

How does EECP work?

During EECP, the Sacramento Heart & Vascular Medical Associates team places long inflatable cuffs around your legs. You’ll also have electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes on your chest and a finger sensor for monitoring your heart and oxygen levels.

You’ll lie flat on the treatment table as air fills the cuffs. It feels similar to having your blood pressure taken in your arm, so it causes a sensation of pressure but not pain. 

The cuffs tighten between heartbeats. Then, the cuffs rapidly deflate so your heart can pump normally. A computer controls the process to ensure optimal timing and accuracy.

The process continues for around an hour. After your EECP treatments, you can return home to normal activities.

How often do I need EECP?

EECP therapy requires a time commitment, but it can be highly effective if you stick with it. You’ll have daily hour-long sessions Monday through Friday, taking weekends off, for a total of seven weeks (35 hours of therapy). 

Who is a good candidate for EECP?

You must generally try other first-line methods of managing chronic stable angina without success to qualify for EECP. Examples include the following:

• Patients who try medication without significant symptom relief
• Patients who aren’t a candidate for surgery
• Patients who have angina after angioplasty or other procedures  

You’re not a candidate for EECP if you have unstable angina. Common treatments for unstable angina include blood thinners, angioplasty, stenting, and sometimes heart bypass surgery. 

EECP can help set you free from chronic angina without the need for surgery. To determine whether this innovative noninvasive treatment is right for you, call Sacramento Heart & Vascular Medical Associates or click on the online appointment feature now.