Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy is chest pain therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It treats long-term chest pain or pressure (chronic stable angina) that doesn’t respond to other treatments. EECP therapy may also be recommended for some people who need a procedure to restore blood flow to their heart and aren’t eligible for surgery.
Description
What is Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)?
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy is chest pain therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It treats long-term chest pain or pressure (chronic stable angina) that doesn’t respond to other treatments. EECP therapy may also be recommended for some people who need a procedure to restore blood flow to their heart and aren’t eligible for surgery.
EECP therapy uses pressure to improve your blood flow. It’s a noninvasive, outpatient treatment. You typically receive the treatment over seven weeks.
This type of therapy can reduce your need for medication and increase your ability to be active without experiencing symptoms. Side effects are usually minor. Your healthcare provider can help determine if you are eligible for EECP treatment.
Why do I need Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)?
Your healthcare provider may recommend EECP if you have:
- Chest pain.
- Cough.
- Fatigue.
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
EECP can also help other conditions, including:
- Cardiac syndrome X (a type of angina).
- Cerebrovascular disease.
- Heart failure.
- Kidney (renal) failure.
- Left ventricular dysfunction (an early stage of heart failure).
- Lung disease (pulmonary disease).
- Peripheral artery (vascular) disease (PAD).
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.
