Informative Insight
About EECP
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive, TGA-approved outpatient therapy designed to lessen the severity and occurrence of angina-related chest pain. By boosting blood flow to the heart and encouraging the development of new collateral pathways, EECP helps create a natural bypass around narrowed or blocked arteries. This therapy is administered daily for one hour (Monday to Friday) over a span of 7 consecutive weeks (total of 35 sessions), leading to long-lasting benefits.
EECP therapy offers a non-invasive treatment for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for invasive procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, or for those who prefer to avoid such treatments. EECP can also complement invasive treatments, offering additional health benefits for patients who are planning to undergo or have already had surgical interventions.
The therapy is well-tolerated by most patients and is considered safe, with minimal side effects. EECP therapy is usually performed in outpatient settings and does not require hospitalisation or anaesthesia.
EECP therapy is also being utilised for general wellness, focusing on improving overall cardiovascular health, enhancing quality of life, increasing maximum rate of oxygen consumption, and improving blood flow.
EECP therapy is administered through the use of cuffs similar to blood pressure cuffs wrapped around the patient’s calves, thighs, and hips. Electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes are applied to the chest to synchronise the cuffs inflation and deflation with each heartbeat.
During the resting phase of the heart, the cuffs inflate sequentially from the calves to the hips, increasing blood circulation back to the heart. This helps venous return and enhances coronary perfusion, thereby helping to preload the heart. Before the next heartbeat, all cuffs deflate rapidly and simultaneously, reducing the heart’s workload and enhancing cardiac output.