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Things you should know about EECP Treatment

Things you should know about EECP Treatment

What is EECP Treatment

EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment for patients with angina or heart failure. During the treatment, inflatable cuffs are wrapped around the patient’s calves, thighs, and buttocks. These cuffs are timed to inflate and deflate in coordination with the patient’s heartbeat, increasing blood flow to the heart and reducing the workload on the heart muscle.

EECP therapy consists of a series of one-hour sessions, usually administered five days a week for a total of 35 sessions. The treatment is painless, and patients can read, watch TV, or relax during the procedure.

EECP is believed to work by creating new small blood vessels in the heart, which helps to increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. This can lead to a reduction in chest pain, improved exercise tolerance, and an overall improvement in quality of life for patients with angina or heart failure.

EECP therapy has been used for over two decades and has been shown to be safe and effective for many patients with angina or heart failure. However, it is not suitable for everyone, and patients should consult their doctor to determine if EECP is right for them.

Procedure for EECP Treatment

The procedure for EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) treatment generally involves the following steps:

  1. Before the treatment, the patient is asked to change into comfortable clothes and lie down on a treatment table.
  2. The therapist then places three sets of inflatable cuffs around the patient’s calves, thighs, and buttocks, which are connected to a computerized machine.
  3. The machine is programmed to inflate and deflate the cuffs in sync with the patient’s heartbeat, using pressure waves to increase blood flow to the heart and reduce the workload on the heart muscle.
  4. The patient undergoes a series of one-hour treatment sessions, usually five days a week for a total of 35 sessions.
  5. During each session, the patient remains awake and comfortable and can read, watch TV, or listen to music while the machine works.
  6. After each session, the cuffs are deflated, and the patient can return to their normal activities immediately.
  7. The patient may experience some mild side effects, such as leg swelling, soreness, or bruising, but these usually resolve on their own and are not considered serious.
  8. Throughout the treatment, the patient’s progress is monitored and evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.

It’s important to note that the specifics of the EECP procedure can vary depending on the individual patient’s condition and the healthcare professional administering the treatment.

Preparation For EECP Treatment

If you are planning to undergo EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) treatment, here are some general steps to help you prepare:

  1. Consult with your healthcare provider: Talk to your healthcare provider about whether EECP is right for you, and ask any questions you may have about the procedure.
  2. Provide your medical history: Inform your healthcare provider of your medical history, including any underlying health conditions, medications you are taking, and any previous surgeries or procedures.
  3. Avoid certain medications: Your healthcare provider may ask you to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
  4. Wear comfortable clothing: You will be asked to change into comfortable clothing, so wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to remove and put back on.
  5. Arrange for transportation: EECP treatment is an outpatient procedure, but you may feel tired or lightheaded after the treatment, so it’s best to arrange for transportation to and from the clinic.
  6. Eat a light meal: It’s recommended to eat a light meal before the treatment to help you feel comfortable during the procedure.
  7. Avoid caffeine: Avoid caffeine or other stimulants before the treatment, as they may interfere with the accuracy of the monitoring equipment.
  8. Be prepared to relax: During the treatment, you will need to remain still and relaxed, so bring a book, music, or other materials to help you pass the time.
  9. Follow any additional instructions: Your healthcare provider may provide additional instructions specific to your individual case, so be sure to follow these closely.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that you are properly prepared for your EECP treatment and have the best possible experience.

Who All Can Go For EECP Treatment?

EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) treatment is generally recommended for patients with chronic stable angina or heart failure who have not responded to traditional medical therapy or who are not suitable candidates for invasive procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery. However, not all patients with these conditions are suitable for EECP treatment.

Here are some general guidelines on who can go for EECP treatment:

  1. Patients with chronic stable angina: EECP is often recommended for patients with chronic stable angina who have not responded to traditional medical therapy, such as medication or lifestyle changes.
  2. Patients with heart failure: EECP can also be used to treat patients with heart failure who have reduced ejection fraction and symptoms that have not responded to traditional medical therapy.
  3. Patients who are not candidates for invasive procedures: EECP may be recommended for patients who are not suitable candidates for invasive procedures, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.
  4. Patients who are willing and able to undergo multiple treatment sessions: EECP therapy consists of a series of one-hour sessions, usually administered five days a week for a total of 35 sessions. Patients must be willing and able to commit to the full treatment course to achieve the best results.
  5. Patients who are not pregnant: EECP is not recommended for pregnant women or patients with certain medical conditions, such as severe aortic regurgitation or an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

It’s important to note that the decision to undergo EECP treatment should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, who can evaluate the individual patient’s condition and determine if EECP is right for them.

Benefits of EECP Treatment

EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) treatment has several potential benefits for patients with angina or heart failure, including:

  1. Reduction of angina symptoms: EECP has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of chest pain associated with angina, allowing patients to perform daily activities with less discomfort.
  2. Improved exercise tolerance: EECP can improve exercise tolerance, allowing patients to engage in physical activity without experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath.
  3. Reduced need for medication: EECP treatment may reduce the need for medication in some patients, as it can help to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.
  4. Improved quality of life: Patients who undergo EECP treatment often report an improvement in their overall quality of life, as they are able to perform daily activities with less discomfort and enjoy a greater sense of well-being.
  5. Non-invasive and safe: EECP is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment that is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most patients. It does not require anesthesia or surgery, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately after each session.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of EECP can vary depending on the individual patient’s condition and response to treatment, and that it should always be performed under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

To find out EECP treatment in Kochi, it’s important to do your own research and choose a Centre that meets your specific needs and requirements. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare professional for best results.

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