Enhanced External Counterpulsation

What is enhanced external counterpulsation?

Enhanced external counterpulsation, or EECP, is a nonsurgical procedure used to increase blood flow to the heart. You may have EECP therapy if you have decreased blood flow to your heart caused by a blood vessel blockage. Decreased blood flow can occur if you have coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, or congestive heart failure. You may also have a blockage from an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). When your heart does not get enough blood and oxygen, you may have angina (chest pain). If your heart is not pumping well, less oxygen may travel through your body. You may feel more tired than usual and you may have trouble breathing well. Decreased blood flow can make it hard for you to do your normal daily activities.

Why might I need enhanced external counterpulsation?

You may need EECP therapy if other treatments did not work to treat your heart condition. This includes medicines and heart surgery. You may need less heart medicine after EECP therapy. EECP can also reduce inflammation in your heart. Inflammation is your body's response to an injury or illness which, overtime, can lead to tissue damage. With EECP therapy, your heart may get more blood back from your body. Your heart may pump better and move more blood and oxygen throughout your body. EECP therapy may help decrease your chest pain and you may have more energy.

How is enhanced external counterpulsation done?

Caregivers will place large cuffs on your upper and lower legs. The cuffs look like large blood pressure cuffs. The cuffs will fill with air causing them to squeeze your legs. This is done by going from the lower part of your legs to the upper part. A computer tells the cuffs to fill with air and then release the air. The computer times the squeezes so that they happen when your heart beats. With each squeeze, blood is forced back up to your heart.

How often do I need enhanced external counterpulsation?

EECP treatment normally takes about seven weeks to complete. You may have an EECP treatment one time each day, five days a week during the seven weeks. Each treatment will take from 1 to 2 hours. Improvements may happen after your first session. If your symptoms do not change after the first 35 treatments, your caregiver may suggest up to 12 more treatments. Often, the results of EECP therapy may last many weeks or even years after therapy ends.

What are the risks of enhanced external counterpulsation?

• The cuffs used for your EECP treatments may cause you to have leg or back discomfort. The skin on your legs may get rough, bruised, or blistered. For a short time after treatment, you may have a tingly feeling in your legs. EECP therapy can also cause your legs and ankles to swell. You may feel pain in your chest after treatments. Even with EECP, your angina and other symptoms may not change. It may also take some time to notice the changes in your symptoms. Even if your symptoms improve, they may return. If you have chronic heart failure, your symptoms, such as swelling and trouble breathing, may get worse.
  
  
• If you do not get EECP therapy, your symptoms, such as chest pain and trouble breathing, may get worse. You may feel tired and be unable to exercise or do other activities. Talk with your caregiver if you have questions or concerns about your heart condition or EECP treatments.

What lifestyle changes can I make to manage my heart condition?

• Decrease your stress: Learn ways to manage stress. Deep breathing, meditation, and listening to music may help you cope with stressful events. Talk to your caregiver about other ways to manage stress.
  
  
• Eat a healthy diet: Healthy foods may help you have more energy and heal faster. You may need to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. You may also need to eat fewer foods that have a lot of fat, salt, or sugar. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.
  
  
• Manage your other medical problems: You can help your heart work better by managing medical conditions you may have. For example, diabetes (high blood sugar) or high cholesterol (fat in the blood) can make your heart problems worse. Ask your caregiver how you can manage your health problems.
  
  
• Quit smoking: If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Smoking harms your body in many ways. You are more likely to have heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and other health problems if you smoke. Quitting smoking will improve your health and the health of those around you. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Start exercising: Exercising makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and helps keep you healthy. It is best to start exercising slowly and do more as you get stronger. Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you.

When should I call my caregiver?

Call your caregiver if:

• The tingling in your legs continues or gets worse after your EECP treatments are done.
  
  
• You have new or increased leg bruising or soreness or tenderness (pain when touched) in your legs.
  
  
• You have new or increased swelling in your ankles, legs, or throughout your body.

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have signs or symptoms of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Chest pain or discomfort that spreads to your arms, jaw, or back. You may also have chest pain that is strong, sudden, or does not go away.
    
    
  • New, sudden back pain.
    
    
  • Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach).
    
    
  • Trouble breathing.
    
    
  • Sweating.
    
    
  • Lips or nailbeds that turn blue or white in color.
    
    
  • This is an emergency. Call 911 or 0 (operator) for an ambulance to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!
  
  
• You get dizzy and faint (pass out).

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.