EECP Treatment: A General Overview

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive treatment popularly used to reduce symptoms in patients with chronic angina or other coronary conditions. Its main aim is to improve blood flow to the heart and to ease the symptoms of heart attacks. We aim to understand the intricacies of the EECP treatment.

Types of EECP Treatment

There are different types of EECP treatments based on the technology that is used. One type is Standard EECP, which uses inflatable cuffs around the legs and buttocks that rise and fall with the heartbeat to improve blood flow to the heart. Improperly.

Improved EECP: Nowadays, advanced EECP systems can make use of features such as real-time monitoring and adjustment based on a patient's physiological responses to render observable prognostic yield.

Indications and symptoms warrant EECP treatment.

Patients who exhibit one or more of the following may require EECP.

- Unremitting angina days

- Fatigue on exertion

- Breathlessness

- Continued symptoms despite medication

- Decreased quality of life because of CVD symptoms

Diagnosis

We must diagnose the patient before starting EECP. For the scientific diagnosis, we require the following techniques:

- Medical History: A comprehensive account of the mentioned complaints and previous medical problems.

- Physical Examination: Evaluation of heart-related parameters.

- Diagnostic Tests:

    - Electrocardiogram (ECG)

    - Echocardiogram

    - Stress testing

    Angiograms are used to monitor blood flow and identify any blockages.

Risks and Complications:

While EECP therapy seems like a pretty safe option overall, the potential risks are minimal, as follows:

- Mild skin irritation from the cuffs

- Bruising or discomfort in the areas where cuffs are applied

- Temporary changes in blood pressure

- Rare cases of heart complications occur in patients with serious heart problems.

Primary causes of cardiac conditions treated using EECPs

Indicated patients include those with:

- Coronary artery disease (CAD)

- Previous heart surgeries or interventions did not completely resolve the symptoms

- Conditions of unstable angina

- Those for whom surgical options like angioplasty or bypass are feasible

Pre-procedure EECP Preparation

Patients may have to undergo some procedure prior to the start of the EECP procedure: 

- Comprehensive cardiovascular assessment.

- Discuss current medications with a healthcare provider in surety of managing the dosing before beginning the procedure.

- Comfortable dressing in closing in concert with the procedure being done.

- A beneficial glass of hydrating water before the session will help, as will avoidance of heavy food just before going in.

Procedure

Here is a detailed explanation of the procedure.

1. Preparation: After positioning inflatable sleeves on their lower extremities and buttocks, patients reclined on a table for treatment.

2. Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, we examine blood pressure, heart rate, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) card.

3. Treatment Cycle: Depending on the heartbeats, chambers expand and retreat, thus promoting the blood flow feed towards the heart muscle.

4. Duration: 1-2 hours per session every day for 35 sessions over the course of several weeks.

Recovery

It is somewhat unusual, but patients generally are able to continue regular activities again following each session. We arrange follow-ups based on the patient's symptoms and response to treatment.

Clinical Trials

Various clinical trials underway aim to ascertain EECP's efficacy in diverse cardiac conditions. The trials discuss

- The long-term advantages of EECP

- Comparison with traditional treatments

The impact on quality of life and cardiac parameters, if any, is significant.

Side Effects

Incidents of side effects are rare, with such effects as

- Minor discomfort or bruising at cuff sites

- Transient blood pressure changes

- Leg stiffness

The success rate of treatment

Studies show the success rate varies considerably; however, some common observations are that

- 60-80% of patients showed marked decrease in angina symptoms after completing a therapy schedule of EECP.

- Improvement in exercise capacity and quality of life has also been registered by some.

Diet to follow treatment

Following the therapy period, we recommend that patients consume food that is nutritionally worthy of consideration:

- Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

- Whole Grain: Like oats, quinoa, and brown rice.

- Lean Proteins: Fish, chicken, legumes, or nuts.

- Healthy Fats: Consume olive oil, avocados, and nuts, but limit your intake of saturated fats.

- Low Salt: For blood pressure regulation.

EECP treatment costs in India.

Cost largely varies between INR 60,000 and INR 100,000 in some hospitals and at different locations for the full treatment. Various providers may handle insurance coverage differently. Please consult the provider corresponding for the treatment.