Definition
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a treatment for the heart. It uses inflated cuffs on the legs to help push blood back to the heart. It improves circulation and decreases the workload of the heart.
chronic, stable chest pain known as angina . Angina happens when there is not enough blood and oxygen being pumped to the heart to support the work it is doing. EECP may also be used to treat certain people with heart failure .
Reasons for Procedure
EECP is used to treat angina. Angina is chest pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart muscle. EECP can increase the amount of blood going to the heart which can relieve the pain. You may have EECP to treat angina if:
- Medicine is not working well enough
- You are not a good candidate for surgery
- You have had surgery but are still having chest pain
EECP may lead to:
- Decrease in symptoms of angina
- Decreased need for angina medicine
- Increase ability to do activities, such as exercise, without angina
- Improvement in the heart's ability to work
- Improved quality of life
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Chafing
- Bruising or blisters
- Bleeding if your blood is too thin
- Leg or waist pain
- Worsening of heart failure in people who have certain heart rhythm problems
You should not have EECP if you are pregnant or have any of these conditions:
- Severe heart failure
- Certain heart valve problems, such as significant aortic insufficiency or regurgitation
- Problems with heart rhythm, called arrhythmias
- High blood pressure you cannot control with medications
- Blockages in the veins or arteries of your legs
- Recent heart catheterization
- Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Before you begin EECP, your doctor may:
- Ask about any medicine you are taking—EECP may not be an option if you take blood thinners
- Answer any questions you have about the procedure
You may want to wear tight-fitting, seamless pants. This can help prevent chafing from the cuffs.
Anesthesia
You will not be given any anesthesia. EECP is not painful.
Description of Procedure
You will lie on a padded table. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to watch your heart rhythm. Your blood pressure will also be checked often.
Cuffs will be placed on your calves and thighs. The cuffs attach to air hoses. They will inflate and deflate the cuffs in rhythm with your heart. You will feel strong pressure from the cuffs. The cuffs will inflate 60 to 80 times each minute during the treatment.
How Long Will It Take?
You will be treated for a total of 35 hours, spread out over 7 weeks.
How Much Will It Hurt?
EECP is not painful. You may feel uncomfortable when the cuffs tighten on your legs.
Post-procedure Care
After your treatment, the electrodes and cuffs will be removed. You can go home as soon as you are done with treatment. You may feel slightly tired after the treatment. This feeling will get better over time.
When you return home, do the following to help manage your angina:
- If you smoke, talk with your doctor about how you can quit .
- Manage your weight.
- Eat a healthy diet .
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
- Exercise regularly and stay as active as possible.
- Go to any recommended appointments.
- Follow your doctor's instructions.
Call Your Doctor
After arriving home, call your doctor or call for medical help right away if there are signs that your angina is getting worse:
- Severe chest pain that may feel tight or heavy
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness or tingling in shoulder, arm, or wrist
- Nausea
- Symptoms not relieved with medication
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
- Review Date: 06/2018 -
- Update Date: 12/28/2018 -