Heart disease is a major concern worldwide, especially in India, where cardiovascular diseases account for a large number of deaths. (WHO) Many people who suffer from conditions like angina or blocked arteries are often faced with difficult choices about their treatment options. The two most common treatments that come up are Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) and stents. But how do these two approaches compare, and which one might be right for you?
In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between EECP and stents, what the SAAOL approach is, and how to make the right decision for your heart health.
What is EECP?
Let’s start with EECP or Enhanced External Counterpulsation. It sounds fancy, but it’s actually a non-invasive treatment for heart disease. In simpler terms, EECP is a therapy that helps improve blood flow to your heart without surgery. It’s a gentle treatment that doesn’t require cutting or inserting anything into your body.
Here’s how it works:
- EECP involves a series of cuffs wrapped around your legs and lower body. These cuffs inflate and deflate in sync with your heartbeat.
- The goal of the treatment is to increase the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart while decreasing the workload of the heart. Over time, this process encourages the formation of small blood vessels that can naturally bypass the blocked arteries in your heart.
In India, the SAAOL Heart Care centers have been at the forefront of promoting EECP therapy as an effective and non-invasive alternative to surgery. SAAOL stands for Science and Art of Living, and their approach emphasizes a combination of lifestyle changes, EECP treatment, and zero-oil cooking to reverse heart disease.
What Are Stents?
On the other hand, a stent is a small, mesh-like tube that’s inserted into a blocked artery to keep it open. This is typically done during a procedure called angioplasty, where a balloon is inflated to open the blocked artery, and then the stent is placed to keep it open permanently.
Stents are considered an invasive treatment because they involve:
- Surgery: Though it’s less invasive than open-heart surgery, placing a stent still requires making an incision and threading a tube through an artery to reach the blockage.
- Recovery time: Since it’s a surgical procedure, it often involves a hospital stay, a recovery period, and sometimes long-term medication to prevent further blockages.
EECP vs. Stents: The Key Differences
Now that we know what EECP and stents are, let’s look at how they stack up against each other.
- Invasiveness
- EECP: Completely non-invasive. There are no cuts, incisions, or implants. It feels like getting a massage for your legs.
- Stents: Invasive. A stent requires a surgical procedure, which comes with risks like infection or blood clots.
- Safety and Risks
- EECP: The risk of complications is negligible since there’s no surgery involved. It’s often considered safe even for older patients or those who are not candidates for surgery.
- Stents: While stents are generally safe, they carry some risk of complications such as blood clots, infections, or artery damage. Patients may also need to take blood thinners after the procedure.
- Effectiveness
- EECP: Studies show that EECP improves blood flow and reduces symptoms of angina (chest pain). According to research published by the American Heart Association, over 75% of patients experience a reduction in angina symptoms, and some can avoid surgery altogether. (AHA).
- Stents: Stents are effective at opening up blocked arteries and providing immediate relief from chest pain. However, there’s a chance that new blockages can form, which might require additional procedures.
- Longevity of Results
- EECP: EECP works gradually. It requires multiple sessions (usually 35-40), but the benefits can last for years. Patients may need to come back for occasional “booster” sessions, but overall, it provides long-term relief.
- Stents: Stents offer quick results, but they are not a permanent fix. Blockages can reoccur, and some patients may require additional procedures later on.
- Lifestyle Changes
- EECP: The SAAOL approach combines EECP with lifestyle modifications. This includes changes in diet (like zero-oil cooking) and regular exercise. It emphasizes long-term lifestyle adjustments to prevent future heart issues.
- Stents: While doctors recommend lifestyle changes after a stent procedure, many patients continue with their old habits. Without making these changes, there’s a higher risk of needing another stent or surgery.
The SAAOL Approach: A Holistic View of Heart Care
What sets SAAOL apart is its holistic approach to treating heart disease. SAAOL heart treatment doesn’t just focus on removing the symptoms but aims to address the root cause of heart disease. At SAAOL, EECP is combined with a unique blend of lifestyle modifications, zero-oil diet plans, yoga, stress management, and medication (if necessary).
Zero-Oil Cooking
One of the standout aspects of SAAOL heart care is the zero-oil cooking method. This diet eliminates all oils from the patient’s meals, which can be a major factor in reducing cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that high cholesterol contributes significantly to heart disease, and adopting a zero-oil diet helps lower cholesterol naturally. (NIH NLB)
Lifestyle Modifications
SAAOL’s program also emphasizes making sustainable lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, stress management, and meditation. It’s not just about treating the heart—it’s about treating the whole person.
The Role of EECP in SAAOL
SAAOL’s core treatment strategy is EECP therapy. Many patients at SAAOL report that after completing their EECP sessions, they experience less chest pain, have more energy, and are able to lead a more active lifestyle—all without the need for invasive surgery.
EECP Success Stories
According to studies, about 75-80% of patients who undergo EECP experience a reduction in angina symptoms and have better outcomes compared to those who undergo invasive treatments like stents. (NIH)
In India, SAAOL Heart Care centers have treated thousands of patients successfully using this non-invasive approach. Dr. Bimal Chhajer, the founder of SAAOL, advocates for EECP as the future of heart disease treatment, especially for patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery or who want to avoid invasive procedures.
When to Choose EECP Over Stents?
So, should you choose EECP or go for a stent? Here are a few factors to consider:
- If you want to avoid surgery: EECP is the way to go. It’s completely non-invasive and doesn’t involve the risks associated with surgery.
- If you have mild to moderate heart disease: EECP is a great option if your condition doesn’t require immediate intervention with a stent or bypass surgery.
- If you want a long-term solution: With EECP, combined with lifestyle changes, you’re addressing the root cause of heart disease and not just the symptoms.
Conclusion: A Heart-Healthy Future with SAAOL
In the debate between EECP and stents, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, the non-invasive nature of EECP, combined with the SAAOL approach, makes it an appealing option for many heart patients looking for a long-term, sustainable way to manage their heart disease. With the right balance of treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes, heart patients can avoid surgery and live healthier, longer lives.