Cardio Med Bed - External Counterpulsation Therapy in Calgary and Airdrie
EECP - Alberta
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Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for management of refractory angina (Class IIb). EECP uses three sets of pneumatic cuffs that sequentially contract during diastole, increasing aortic diastolic pressure, augmenting coronary blood flow and central venous return. EECP improves anginal symptoms and exercise tolerance, and reduces nitroglycerin use in patients with chronic, stable angina. EECP has also been shown to be safe and beneficial in patients with symptomatic stable congestive heart failure. It has been postulated that cardiac benefits of EECP are mediated though vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide mediated vasodilatation and angiogenesis. In June 2002, the FDA also approved EECP therapy for heart failure patients.
EECP Treatments - Calgary & Area
Overall, EECP has been proven to be a safe therapy, as reported by the International EECP patient registry (IEPR) in 2000. Of 2511 patients treated, 0.3% died, 0.9% had a myocardial infarction, 0.2% had bypass grafting, and 0.8% had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the treatment period.
EECP therapy consists of three sets of pneumatic cuffs attached to each of the patient’s legs at the calf and lower and upper thigh. The inflation of the cuffs is triggered by a computer, and timing of the inflation is based on the R wave of the electrocardiogram. The EECP therapist adjusts the inflation and deflation timing to provide optimal blood movement per a finger plethysmogram waveform reading. This produces a retrograde flow of blood in the aorta (aortic counterpulsation), resulting in a diastolic augmentation of blood flow and also an increase in venous return, which leads to an improved coronary perfusion pressure during diastole. Shortly afterwards, the cuffs simultaneously deflate before the onset of systole, thereby decreasing vascular resistance, assisting with systolic unloading, and decreasing cardiac workload.
FAQ
A: Most patients experience positive results and report significant improvements such as:
• A significant reduction in the number and intensity of angina episodes, including decreased chest pain
• Increased energy
• Increased circulation
• Increased oxygen to the heart
• Overall improvements in the body’s anti-inflammatory processes
A: Cardio Med Bed Therapy (EECP) is often described as intense exercise while laying down. If your cardiovascular health is compromised, you may feel tired after the first few sessions. This is normal, especially if you haven’t been exercising. Usually, after a few sessions you will begin to notice a increase in energy and stamina.
A: The International EECP® Patient Registry (IEPR) collects data on the safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits of Cardio Med Bed Therapy. The data collected thus far has shown that the benefits of this therapy can last up to three years after completing the first course (35 hours) of treatment. Other smaller studies have shown the benefits last up to five years in some patients. With lifestyle modifications such as improvements to diet and exercise, the benefits can last even longer.
