Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP)

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a new treatment for people who have ongoing chest pain (chronic angina) who do not qualify for other treatment methods, such as angioplasty or surgery. Also, it is sometimes used to treat heart failure. EECP is used at some large medical centers, but it is not widely available.

During EECP, pressure cuffs (like large blood pressure cuffs) inflate and deflate around your calves, thighs, and buttocks. The cuffs squeeze the blood from your lower body toward your heart. In turn, this increases the amount of blood and oxygen going into your coronary arteries and decreases pain from angina. Meanwhile, your blood pressure and heart rhythm are closely monitored. Usually, you will receive this treatment for 1 to 2 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks.

Although it has not been proven, EECP may encourage the development of collateral blood vessels. These small blood vessels can create new channels for blood to bypass narrowed or blocked arteries.

In one study, 81% of the people treated for chronic angina with EECP improved.¹ However, EECP has some drawbacks. Many people are not candidates, and the treatment can be time-consuming and uncomfortable.

Citations

1. Kim MC, et al. (2002). Refractory angina pectoris: Mechanism and therapeutic options. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 39(6): 923–934.