When you have angina, your body is telling you that your heart is not receiving enough oxygen. A treatment, in harmony with your heart, can improve circulation to your heart muscle. EECP treatment appears to stimulate the opening of new, natural pathways around narrow or blocked arteries.

 

After EECP treatment, you may find that:

·        you can walk farther, carry heavier packages, and be more active without having angina

·        you have fewer attacks of angina

·        your episodes of angina are less intense

·        you need less anti-anginal medication

·        you can return to work, go out to dinner, garden, travel or enjoy golf, tennis, or bowling once again

·        you no longer restrict your social life, volunteer activities, or exercise because you are worried that they will cause angina

 

The body has a response to pain and problems caused by narrowed arteries. The body often can increase the amount of blood flowing to the muscle by opening up tiny branches of nearby vessels. This network of tiny blood vessels – known as collateral circulation – makes it possible for blood to detour around blocked or narrowed arteries.

 

EECP may stimulate the opening, or formation, of small branches of blood vessels (collaterals) to create a natural bypass around narrowed or blocked arteries. EECP treatment compresses your lower limbs to increase blood flow toward your heart. Each wave of pressure is electronically timed to your heartbeat, so that the increased blood flow is delivered to your heart at the precise moment it is relaxing. When the heart pumps again, pressure is released instantaneously. This lowers resistance in the blood vessels of your legs so that blood may be pumped more easily from the heart, decreasing the amount of work required of your heart muscle.

 

Your doctor will evaluate you to determine if you may be eligible to receive EECP treatment. You may be a candidate for EECP treatment if:

·        you have angina

·        nitroglycerin does not provide adequate relief from your angina

·        you have been told that you are not a candidate for bypass surgery or angioplasty

·        you underwent bypass surgery or angioplasty in the past, and angina has returned

·        you want to explore all treatment options.

 

Some people may not be candidates for EECP treatment because of their medical conditions. Only your cardiologist can make a decision regarding whether you are a candidate for EECP treatment.