Do you get up every morning feeling a constant weight pressing down on your chest? It always reminds you that your heart isn’t doing its job right. This constant discomfort can make you stressed about your health. You might wonder if there’s a way to improve how you feel and start enjoying life without pain and discomfort.
An observational study from a tertiary care hospital in North India published in March 2024 included 714 patients with similar features presenting with acute chest pain which emphasized the importance of identifying regular chest pain which is cardiac in nature (CCP) versus non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). The results showed that CCP was diagnosed in 53.7% of patients. Abnormal ECG findings were more frequent in CCP patients. So it is quite important at the same time to know about cardiovascular risk factors. (Cureus)
This study also provides information about EECP therapy, which is a Non-Invasive solution to enhance blood flow and alleviate chest pain while mitigating the need for invasive procedures and minimizing chest discomfort simultaneously. You may know of this treatment and wonder if it actually works or if “Will someone like me be able to get any value from it?”
This blog aims to respond to all such queries by offering scientifically supported explanations of EECP therapy’s effects, and potential benefits for heart health.
Let us proceed one step at a time.
What Is EECP Therapy and How Does It Work?
Enhanced External Counterpulsation, or EECP, is an FDA-approved therapy that treats heart-related conditions such as angina (chest pain) and poor circulation. Unlike surgeries like bypass surgery or angioplasty, EECP treatment doesn’t require cutting, needles, or hospital stays.
EECP works by
- Cuffs are placed around your legs as you undergo therapy.
- Your heartbeat is synchronized with the rhythmic inflation and deflation of these cuffs.
- By pushing blood upward and into your heart, this action improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the places that require it most.
- With time, this procedure creates new blood vessels which function as a natural bypass for blocked arteries. All of this occurs while you are comfortably lying on a bed.
EECP Therapy; How Can It Help Decrease Chest Pain?
Angina, or chest pain, is most often caused by clogged or constricted arteries that are not delivering enough oxygen-rich blood to your heart. EECP therapy solves this problem by improving blood flow and decreasing the load on the heart.
It does the following:
- More Oxygen Supply: EECP allows more oxygen to reach oxygen-compromised areas of the heart by driving blood back toward the left ventricle (the heart’s main pumping chamber) during diastole when the heart expands.
- Allows Organ Perfusion: It lowers blood vessel resistance, decreasing the workload on the heart to pump blood to relieve chest discomfort.
- Creates Natural Bypasses: The treatment promotes the body’s creation of new blood vessels over time, allowing blood to flow around blockages.
After several EECP treatment sessions, patients often state that they feel generally more energetic and have fewer episodes of chest pain.
There is substantial research to back up the efficacy of EECP therapy. According to a study that was published in the Journal of Springer Nature, more than 75% of patients saw a decrease in angina frequency and severity; many of them also report better performance of everyday activities and exercise.
EECP considerably decreased the frequency and intensity of angina attacks.
For whom is EECP therapy beneficial?
EECP treatment is particularly advantageous for:
- Those whose chronic angina, or chest pain is not eased by medicine.
- People who have coronary artery disease but aren’t good candidates for surgery.
- Individuals who want to fortify their hearts without resorting to surgery.
- Anyone who wishes to improve blood flow and reduce their need for drugs.
However, not everyone is a good fit for EECP therapy. To examine their alternatives, people with severe valvular heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or specific additional issues should speak with their doctor.
Why Do People Choose EECP Therapy?
Most people are scared of having surgery. The expense, dangers, and time required for recovery can be overwhelming. An alternative provided by EECP therapy is as follows:
- Non-Invasive: No hospitalization or incision is required for EECP therapy.
- Convenient: Following a session, you can immediately resume your normal activities.
- Cost-effective: It’s less costly than surgical operations like stenting or bypass surgery.
For those who desire efficient results without the side effects that can accompany intrusive procedures, this makes it a compelling choice.
This non-invasive approach was introduced by Dr. Bimal Chhajer, at SAAOL Heartcare Delhi. SAAOL Heartcare is the pioneer of US-FDA-approved EECP treatment in India offering a more comprehensive, all-encompassing strategy for heart health. In addition to therapy, patients receive advice on lifestyle modifications, stress reduction, nutrition, and exercise to promote long-term heart health.
Are There Any Risks?
No! There are no risks at all, over 6 lakh+ patients from SAAOL can testify that EECP treatment from SAAOL Heartcare Delhi is totally safe and there are no side effects, you just should attend all 40 sessions to get the best results along with adopting lifestyle modifications and dietary recommendations.
Although having circulatory problems and chest pain is problematic, they don’t have to rule your life. Regaining your independence and improving heart health is possible with EECP therapy.
Consult a specialist at SAAOL Heart Care Delhi if you’re thinking about EECP therapy. You can make significant progress towards a healthy heart and an improved quality of life with a combination of advanced treatment, individualized care, and lifestyle support.