ECP

External Counter Pulsation

External Counterpulsation is a noninvasive, outpatient procedure to reduce the symptoms of angina pectoris (Chest Pain). The patient lies comfortably on a bed and a series of blood pressure cuffs are wrapped around the legs. The cuffs inflate and deflate in sync with the heart to pump healthy blood throughout the body. Most patients read, listen to music or even sleep during the treatments.

ECP consists of 35, one hour-long treatments. Patients come in once a day, everyday for 7 weeks. Time slots are available from 9:00 to 5:00.

Doctor Reddy overseeing the ECP
treatment of a patient in our office.

• Improves flow of healthy, oxygenated blood to the heart

• Reduce or eliminate angina

• Increase energy, stamina, exercise tolerance and quality of life

• Reduce or eliminate the use of medications

• Nearly everyone with angina, coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure can benefit from ECP

One benefit of ECP is Improved blood flow to the heart as shown above.

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE HAVING ECP THERAPY?

Once you know you qualify for ECP therapy there are a few helpful pre-treatment do’s, don’ts and facts. First, you must understand that you are committing to one hour sessions, five days per week, for seven weeks. Interruptions in the daily routine are not good and should be avoided if at all possible. You should plan to spend about an hour and a half each day at your treatment center. You may feel somewhat tired at the end of the first week, due to the “passive exercise” effect of ECP. Each day, your therapist will conduct a pre-treatment questionnaire, weigh you and take your blood pressure prior to starting your therapy. We recommend the following:

• Arrive at your scheduled appointment time
• Wear form fitting underwear, not boxers.
• Wear short socks if possible
• Consume very little food or fluids before treatment
• Be sure to urinate before starting the therapy
• Take your medicine as directed by your physician
• Wear an open necked top, the looser fitting the better
• Bring music, books or you can nap or watch one of our conveniently placed television sets