Frequently Asked Questions

The standard EECP course typically consists of 40 one-hour sessions, scheduled on weekdays from Monday through Friday, spread across 8 weeks. For those who do not experience symptom improvement early in the course, therapy can be extended. Additional treatment hours may also be considered on a case-by-case basis to meet individual treatment goals.

Yes, you have the option to continue undergoing EECP therapy after completing a full course of treatment. Many individuals choose to do so for ongoing health maintenance. Continuing treatment sessions on a regular basis can help sustain the benefits achieved during the initial course of therapy.

Clinical studies indicate that the benefits of EECP therapy can persist in some patients for up to 5 years following the completion of a full course of treatment.

Yes, you have the option to pause or stop the treatment at any time during the session. Simply inform the operator that you wish to do so, and they will assist you accordingly. Additionally, there is an emergency stop button available if you feel an urgent need to halt the treatment. It’s recommended to use the restroom before each session to minimise disruptions and ensure a comfortable experience.

If you miss a treatment session during your EECP therapy course, it should not significantly impact the overall effectiveness of your treatment. You can simply resume your treatment schedule with your next scheduled session. However, it’s important to attend sessions regularly to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from the therapy. Consistency in attending sessions is recommended for optimal outcomes and to maintain the momentum of your treatment progress.

EECP therapy feels like a firm massage with rhythmic pressure applied to the hips and legs at regular intervals. The intensity of the pressure can be adjusted to suit your comfort level while ensuring an effective treatment. Overall, many individuals find the sensation to be relaxing and comfortable during their EECP sessions.

After a treatment session, many individuals feel invigorated due to the increased blood circulation. You may experience a sensation of warmth or flushing, and your face and hands may appear mildly flushed for a short time afterward, similar to the effect of moderate exercise. Occasionally, some individuals may feel slightly light-headed or experience a mild headache, often due to the increased blood flow or dehydration. However, these sensations typically subside within a few moments. It’s essential to stay hydrated and listen to your body’s signals during and after treatment sessions.

Recovery from EECP therapy is typically immediate, as the treatment does not require a hospital stay. You can resume your regular activities immediately after each session. However, it’s important to alert your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects or discomfort during or after treatment. 

While some pacemakers, particularly single-chamber types, may not interfere with the EECP machine’s synchronization with heartbeats, others could pose challenges. During the initial consultation, we will evaluate whether your pacemaker affects the EECP inflation timing sequence.

If your blood pressure is well-controlled, EECP therapy may be a suitable treatment option for you. However, if you have severe hypertension (with systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mm Hg), it’s crucial to address and stabilise your blood pressure before undergoing EECP therapy.

If you have undergone balloon angioplasty, stent placement, bypass surgery, or any other surgical intervention, it’s generally recommended to wait at least 6 weeks after the procedure before starting EECP therapy. This allows sufficient time for your wounds to heal completely and reduces the risk of complications during EECP treatment.

Many studies have shown that EECP can be of substantial benefit for some patients with CHF.

For chronic stable angina patients, EECP therapy offers several advantages over other treatment methods:

1. Non-Surgical and Non-Invasive: EECP therapy is an external procedure that does not involve surgery or invasive techniques. This reduces the risk of complications associated with surgical interventions.
2. Minimal Risk: EECP therapy is considered virtually risk-free, with minimal side effects reported. Unlike surgical procedures, there is no risk of anaesthesia-related complications or surgical complications.
3. No Hospitalisation Required: Unlike angioplasty or bypass surgery, EECP therapy can be performed on an outpatient basis. Patients do not need to be hospitalised for the treatment, resulting in less disruption to daily life.
4. Drug-Free Treatment: EECP therapy does not require the use of drugs or medications, making it an attractive option for patients who prefer non-pharmacological interventions or who may have contraindications to certain medications.
5. Comparable Efficacy: Clinical studies have shown that the results of EECP therapy are comparable to traditional treatment methods such as angioplasty and bypass surgery in relieving symptoms of chronic stable angina. Many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
6. Long-Lasting Effects: The benefits of EECP therapy can be long-lasting, with some studies indicating effects lasting up to 5 years. This suggests that EECP therapy may provide sustained relief from angina symptoms over an extended period.