Definition
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) uses inflated cuffs on the legs to help push blood back to the heart. It improves blood flow and decreases the workload of the heart.
EECP pushes blood back toward the heart to reduce the heart's workload.
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Reasons for Procedure
EECP is used to treat angina. This is chest pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart. EECP can increase the amount of blood going to the heart. This can ease pain. It may be done in people who are not helped by other methods.
EECP may also be used to treat people who have heart failure.
Possible Complications
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
- Excess bleeding in people with thin blood
- Worsening of heart failure in people who have certain heart rhythm problems
People who are pregnant or have any of these health problems should not have EECP:
- Certain heart problems, such as aortic insufficiency, heart failure, or recent heart surgery
- High blood pressure
- Blockages in the veins or arteries of the legs
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
The care team may meet with you to talk about:
- Any allergies you may have
- Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before EECP
Anesthesia
You will not be given any anesthesia. EECP is not painful.
Description of Procedure
You will lie on a padded table. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to watch your heart rhythm. Your blood pressure will also be checked.
Cuffs will be placed on your calves and thighs. The cuffs attach to air hoses. The cuffs will inflate and deflate in rhythm with the heart. You will feel strong pressure from the cuffs. The cuffs will inflate 60 to 80 times each minute during the treatment.
How Long Will It Take?
You will be treated for a total of 35 hours. It will be spread out over 7 weeks.
Will It Hurt?
It is common to feel tired after EECP. It will go away over time.
Post-procedure Care
At the Care Center
Right after the procedure, the staff will remove the electrodes and cuffs.
At Home
You will be able to go back to your normal activity levels. Lifestyle changes will need to be made to improve blood flow to the heart.
Call Your Doctor
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tingling, pain, swelling, or bruising in the legs
- Numbness or tingling in the shoulder, arm, or wrist
- Chest pain
- Problems breathing
- Symptoms that come back or worsen
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.com
REFERENCES:
Angina. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/angina. Accessed October 20, 2020.
Angina (chest pain). American Heart and Stroke Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/angina-chest-pain. Accessed October 20, 2020.
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP). Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/cad/eecp.aspx. Accessed October 20, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 5/18/2021