EECP Article - Helping your HEART heal itself !

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Do you or someone you know suffer from angina or congestive heart failure, and if so, has your cardiologist mentioned EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) as a noninvasive and virtually risk-free alternative to cardiac surgery. If not, do not be surprised, since for many cardiologists, surgical procedures such as bypass surgeries, stents, or angioplasties have become almost entirely too routine. In fact, according to a recent article published in the New York Times, "New Studies Question Value of Opening Arteries" by Gina Kolata, surgical procedures are frequently performed despite alternative and safer procedures; and just for the sake of keeping the patient referral process in tact. Furthermore, for invasive cardiologists, surgical procedures such as bypass surgery, angioplasties or stents are as one might say "hi-yielding" revenue procedures, fueling the economic structure of the cardiovascular medical community. On the other hand, EECP is not a surgical or invasive procedure but rather it is a clinically proven and FDA approved treatment for angina and congestive heart failure. It is also much more affordable and in many cases provides patients with a low risk procedure for addressing their heart disease. Once you know about EECP, you will see that there is justifiable and beneficial reasoning for considering alternative measures such as EECP. Covered by Medicare and most private insurances, insurances, EECP benefits a patient by reducing or eliminating chest pain as well as the need for surgery or medications in 85% of those who have undergone the treatment. EECP is a non-invasive, non-surgical and virtually risk free treatment that simply helps the heart improve circulation naturally, making it an appealing option to be tried, prior to electing to undergo any surgical procedures.

First approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1995, EECP is most often used in folks with stable angina — the kind that often lasts five minutes or less, is brought on by physical exertion and is usually relieved by drugs like nitroglycerin. (Unstable angina tends to be severe, occurs suddenly or unexpectedly, often while a person is at rest, and requires immediate attention, as it may be a sign of a heart attack.) But stable angina isn't always easily controlled with medications, and some people just aren't good candidates for angioplasty or surgery. Then, factor in the general concerns of a surgical procedure. EECP just might be your answer. Cardiologist James DeStephens, MD, believes EECP should be much more widely offered to heart patients as a non-invasive alternative to surgical intervention. "This is a revolutionary approach to the treatment of coronary disease that can be used for patients who do not appear to be critical and unstable," DeStephens said. "If they can walk a block or so without angina and are fairly well maintained on medications, there is time for a non-invasive approach rather than subjecting a patient to the risk of surgery."

As a longtime proponent of a healthy and health-aware lifestyle, Dr. DeStephens’ philosophy is simple: If you are in a stable, not life threatening condition and you have seven weeks to make an informed decision about your cardiac health, why not try a non-invasive and proven procedure? Research is backing up this philosophy, too. A story published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (Jun. 1, 1999) reported that, "Angina patients who experience chest pain despite drug therapy and/or revascularization procedures benefit from a new procedure called Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)." In 1989, the Health Sciences Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook, began clinical studies with EECP® treatment for patients with chronic angina. These studies demonstrated a number of positive affects that are maintained following treatment for at least three years after completing a full course of EECP® treatment. As Dr. DeStephens says, EECP is the only approved method of helping the heart heal itself by growing its own "natural bypasses." This circulation of tiny blood vessels in the heart can help compensate for any lack of circulation caused by blocked arteries, he explained.

To put it quite simply, Dr. DeStephens describes the process as "squeezing the life back into you." The actual procedure stimulates the heart’s circulation by having specialized blood pressure style cuffs that are attached to the legs, inflate and deflate harmoniously with the heart’s normal rhythm cycle. This motion sends perfectly timed pulses of pressure from the legs throughout the body, including the heart. EECP stimulates the heart’s ability to increase circulation, developing a "natural bypass" around any blockages. The painless, non-invasive procedure typically takes an hour a day for five days per week for seven weeks. Patients lie comfortably on a specialized bed while listening to music, reading or simply dozing. Up to 95% of the time over the 35 hourly treatment sessions, angina symptoms progressively reduce and energy levels improve. Benefits typically last for two to five years and more if an aggressive approach to cardiac risk factor modification is also used. EECP treatments, unlike bypass surgery or angioplasty, can be repeated as often as is necessary. If you suffer from angina or congestive heart failure, talk with the cardiac experts at EECP Heart Care Center. They can provide you with a comprehensive risk assessment and an opportunity to evaluate EECP as a potential preventative treatment for you.

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