Did you know?
Angina and other heart-related disorders can be relieved using Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) therapy, a non-invasive heart treatment in the field of cardiovascular therapeutics. However, you must determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your particular needs, just like with any other. Here’s when having an honest discussion with your cardiologist is beneficial.
Here are five important things to ask your doctor if you’re thinking about EECP therapy so you can make the best choice possible.
- How Does EECP Therapy Help My Particular Heart Condition?
Before beginning any new treatment, you should be aware of any potential benefits unique to your disease.
EECP can help you control your symptoms.
Through a series of scheduled compressions on the lower extremities, EECP therapy improves circulation, increasing blood flow to the heart. For those who suffer from ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or chronic angina, this helps increase oxygen delivery while lessening the burden on the heart. Among the benefits of EECP treatment are:
-Less frequent and intense angina symptoms
-Increased tolerance for exercise and physical activity
-Less reliance on prescription drugs
-Improved standard of living overall
Your cardiologist can discuss how EECP can reduce angina symptoms, increase your level of functioning, and possibly lessen your need for invasive treatments or drugs. Keep in mind that every person experiences differently, therefore it’s important to talk about your particular circumstance in specifics.
- Am I a candidate for EECP Therapy?
Not every heart disease patient will benefit from EECP treatment. Because of this, it’s critical to find out from your doctor if you qualify given your medical background and general state of heart health.
EECP is often advised for people who have:
-Prolonged stable angina that does not go away even with medication or treatment.
-Patients with heart failure who cannot have surgery such as a bypass or angioplasty.
due to age, comorbidities, or other risk considerations, poor candidates for surgery.
However, some diseases, such as severe peripheral artery disease (PAD), defective cardiac valve function, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or severe hypertension are contraindicated. Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to ensure that EECP therapy is safe and suitable for you.
- What Steps Are Included in the EECP Therapy Process?
The fact that EECP is non-invasive is one of its main benefits, but before choosing a course of action, make sure you are fully aware of all the details. Inquire with your doctor about the schedule for each session and the overall organization of the treatment.
EECP treatment process usually entails:
-A seven-week course consisting of 35-40 sessions, held five days a week for an hour each. -Inflatable cuffs are wrapped over your thighs, buttocks, and calves during each session. -The blood flow to the heart is enhanced by these cuffs, which expand and contract in time with your heartbeat.
-The majority of people find the process to be peaceful and painless. Nonetheless, the slight discomfort caused by the cuffs’ pressure may be felt by some.
In addition, your doctor should go over what to wear, and how to prepare before the sessions.
- How is EECP Therapy better than other treatment options for heart disease?
When considering EECP therapy, it’s important to understand how it stacks up against other treatment options like medications, angioplasty, or bypass surgery. Research indicates that the mortality rate following coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) varies from 1 to 3 percent, contingent on the overall health of the patient and the intricacy of the procedure. Infections, heart attacks, and strokes are among the complications that can occur during or following surgery.
Ask your doctor to compare EECP with these interventions based on your specific condition.
Some key differences include:
-Non-invasive nature: Unlike bypass surgery, EECP doesn’t involve any incisions or stents, making it a safer option for those at higher risk of complications.
-Lower risk of side effects: While surgeries can have significant risks like infection or blood clots, EECP is generally safer and well-tolerated with minor side effects.
-Complementary therapy: EECP can be used alongside other treatments to enhance outcomes, particularly for patients who are not responding well to medications or who want to avoid surgical interventions.
- How long will the results of my EECP therapy take to manifest?
It’s normal to be curious about how soon and how long therapy will provide benefits while choosing any kind of treatment. The majority of patients will noticeably improve after completing the entire 35-40 session course, while some may receive symptom alleviation after just a few sessions.
Patients frequently query things like:
-When will I start feeling better?
-What is the duration of the benefits?
-Will I eventually require more EECP treatments?
The benefits of EECP treatment may extend for two years or longer based on the person’s general health, lifestyle, and heart condition. Many patients report long-term symptom relief, and some may even become less dependent on medicine. To sustain these advantages over time, a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction is necessary.
Depending on your particular cardiac issue, your cardiologist will provide you with a more precise timeframe of when you can anticipate improvements.
For individuals with cardiac issues looking for a non-invasive alternative to surgery or medicine, EECP therapy can be a game-changer. By asking these five crucial questions, you and your cardiologist can decide if EECP is the best option for you.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique, so it’s critical to have a tailored conversation with your healthcare practitioner to address the advantages, dangers, and expectations related to your heart health. Knowing the procedure and outcomes of EECP treatment will guarantee that you are well informed and ready to start your road toward improved heart health, should it be advised.
Make it a point to stay in constant contact with your doctor or heart specialist and participate actively in the decisions about your heart care. Making sure that EECP meets your needs is crucial to its success, even though it might be the best route to a happier, healthier heart.