External Counter Pulsation (ECP)
External Counter Pulsation (ECP therapy) is an FDA approved non-invasive therapy for chronic stable chest pain. It is conducted in 35 one hour sessions during a seven-week treatment course.
During ECP treatment, three pairs of pneumatic cuffs are wrapped around the calves, thighs and buttocks. The cuffs are sequentially inflated with compressed air and then rapidly deflated. The treatment raises diastolic pressure and decreases systolic pressure in both the aorta and coronary arteries. ECP also enhances venous return, further promoting an increase in cardiac output. These effects lead to increased blood flow and a decrease in chest pain.
Benefits of ECP treatment:
- ECP therapy reduces the duration and frequency of angina in 80% of patients
- Reduces the need for antianginal medications
- Promotes arteriogenesis, Formation of large blood vessels
- Promotes angiogenesis, Formation of new blood vessels from existing blood vessels
- Increased exercise tolerance
- Non-invasive
- The positive effects of ECP therapy last up to a year or longer after treatment.
- ECP therapy may be repeated yearly.
Contact PCRMC
ECP therapy is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies. If you are experiencing chronic chest pain and would like to try ECP therapy or you would like more information about ECP therapy please contact the cardiology department at 573-458-7174.
Reference: Chest Pains author David McCaskil MSN, FNP, ACNP and The Journal of the American College of Cardiology Dec. 20th, 2005