Why Is EECP Considered for Angina?
Angina is chest pain or a feeling of pressure that occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood or oxygen. The standard treatment approach includes medication, lifestyle changes, and, when needed, interventional methods such as angioplasty or bypass. However, in some patients symptoms may persist despite these treatments, or the patient may not be a suitable candidate for an interventional procedure. EECP comes in at this point as a non-surgical option.
How Can EECP Affect Angina Symptoms?
The synchronized pressure EECP applies to the legs aims to increase the amount of blood reaching the coronary circulation while the heart is at rest and to reduce the heart's workload. IEPR (International EECP Patient Registry) data have reported improvement in angina severity classification (CCS classification) in a significant proportion of patients after treatment.
In the MUST-EECP trial, patients with stable angina who received active EECP were reported to have a longer time to exercise-induced ischemia and a reduced frequency of angina attacks.
Which Type of Angina Is It Considered For?
In addition to stable angina, EECP may also be considered for refractory angina cases that do not respond adequately to standard treatments.
EECP's Place in Clinical Guidelines
ACC/AHA (American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association) guidelines classify EECP as a Class IIb recommendation (Level of Evidence B) for patients with treatment-resistant angina who are not candidates for revascularization. This classification means the treatment may be considered in certain patient groups but is not a first-line option.
Is It Right for You?
If you are experiencing angina and are wondering whether EECP could be an option for you, you can complete our short test or request an appointment directly. If you experience sudden, severe chest pain, this could be a sign of unstable angina; call 112 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Note: This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Find Out If EECP Is Right for You
Contact us now for a free initial assessment, or fill out our short test.