You may be eligible for therapy if any of the following apply:
- You have angina.
- Your heart medications no longer relieve your angina.
- You have had bypass surgery, angioplasty, stent, or other procedures and your symp- toms have returned.
- You have been told you cannot have another bypass surgery, angioplasty, stent, or other invasive procedure.
- You have chosen not to have any further surgery, angioplasty, stent or other invasive procedure.
- You do not have medical conditions that may prevent you from having EECP therapy.
Chronic Angina?
EECP offers non-invasive treatment for Angina. This treatment, given in harmony with your heart, can improve circulation to the heart muscle.
Who is a candidate for EECP?
Enhanced External Counter Pulsation Therapy (EECP) is intended to help people who suffer from angina. Angina is the most common symptom of coronary artery disease, and it is your body’s way of telling you that your heart is not receiving enough oxygen. Angina is most frequently described as chest discomfort provoked by mental, physical or emotional stress. Angina can also occur at rest. It may present in other ways such as shortness of breath or discomfort in your jaw, neck, arms, shoulders, back, or it may feel like indigestion. These are serious and potentially life threatening symptoms that you should discuss with your physician.
Your physician will complete an evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for EECP therapy.
What are the benefits?
EECP treatment can decrease the frequency and severity of angina, requiring less medication. After completing EECP therapy you may find that:
- Angina symptoms resolve completely.
- Energy levels are higher.
- Quality of life is improved as a result of resuming participation in activities of daily living, social activities and exercise.
- You have a more positive outlook on life.
How is the treatment provided?
EECP therapy is provided in the Cardiac Rehab department at RAMC. It is non-invasive and is completed as an outpatient. Treatments are given one hour a day, five days a week, over seven weeks for a total of 35 hours.
During the treatment, you will lie on a comfortable bed with large blood pressure-like cuffs wrapped around your legs and buttocks. These cuffs inflate and deflate at specific times between heartbeats. This causes blood to be propelled back through the arteries of the heart muscle and stimulates the opening of new, natural pathways for increased blood flow to your heart. It is a safe and effective treatment for ischemic heart disease.
What to expect during treatment
Your therapist will monitor your ECG during your therapy. A special sensor will monitor your oxygen saturation and pressure waves created by the inflation and deflation so your therapist can optimize your treatment.
EECP has been described as “passive exercise”. You may feel a bit fatigued or have minor muscle soreness after your first few treatments, especially if you have not been able to be active for some time.
A TV and VCR/DVD are available for you to watch you favorite program; or listen to your favorite music on a tape or CD player. Some patients are able to take a nap during the treatment.
Results
Most patients experience positive results from EECP therapy within several days of starting treatment. EECP completed in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes, has been proven to relieve chest pain for up to five years in most patients. Regular exercise helps maintain the benefits of treatment.
Medicare and most insurances will cover EECP for patients who meet medical criteria. We will assist you with the insurance process. Call RAMC's Cardio/Pulmonary Department for more information at (608)768-6250.