How Is EECP Considered Alongside Your Current Heart Treatment?
If you are receiving cardiology treatment, EECP does not replace your current plan. On this page, you can find out how an EECP evaluation is considered alongside your current treatment.
EECP Does Not Replace Your Current Cardiology Treatment
EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) is a complementary option that may be considered in certain cases for people already receiving cardiology treatment for coronary artery disease or angina. However, this does not mean that EECP is an automatic alternative to your current treatment.
Your medication, stent, or bypass decision was made by your cardiologist based on your specific clinical situation. An EECP evaluation is not intended to replace this treatment plan; it is carried out in collaboration with your cardiologist to see whether it can complement your current plan. You can find general information about our treatment process on our Treatment Process page, and basic information about what EECP is on our What Is EECP? page. For a concrete example regarding ongoing symptoms after a stent or bypass, you can read this article.
Core Principles of the Evaluation
It Is Not an Automatic Alternative
Medication Decisions Belong to Your Doctor
The Stent Decision Does Not Change
The Bypass Decision Does Not Change
In Which Situations Might an EECP Evaluation Come Up?
If any of the situations below apply to you, you can speak with your cardiologist about whether an EECP evaluation is appropriate.
In People Who Have Previously Had a Stent
In some patients, chest pain or limited exercise tolerance can continue after a stent. In this case, an EECP evaluation may come up in addition to current treatment; any decision regarding the stent itself is not something the patient decides on their own.
In People Who Have Previously Had Bypass Surgery
Similarly, in the period after bypass surgery, if symptoms continue, whether EECP is a complementary option can be evaluated while cardiology follow-up continues.
In Patients on Medication
In patients regularly taking anti-anginal or other heart medications, an EECP evaluation can be carried out while medication is continued. The dose or type of medication changes only by the doctor's decision.
For Ongoing Angina Symptoms
If chest pain symptoms continue despite current treatment, this should be shared with your cardiologist, and the suitability of EECP can be evaluated as part of your treatment plan.
For Those Experiencing a Decline in Exercise Capacity
Increasing difficulty with exertion that was previously manageable in daily activities is a finding that may warrant your treatment plan being reviewed again by cardiology.
For Those Who Want Their Treatment Plan Reviewed
If you would like a general review of your current treatment plan, this can be addressed as a natural part of the evaluation process.
How Does the Evaluation Process Work?
The EECP evaluation is a step-by-step process coordinated with your current treatment plan.
Review of Your Current Treatment Plan
Cardiology Evaluation
EECP Preliminary Assessment
Patient Selection
Contraindication Assessment
Integration Into Your Current Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
If I Start EECP, Can I Stop My Current Medications?
No. Any change to your medication is made only by the decision of the doctor following you. An EECP evaluation or process is not a reason to stop taking your medication on your own.
I've Had a Stent Before — Is EECP Suitable for Me?
This depends on your personal clinical situation and can only be determined after an evaluation. In some patients, EECP may be considered as a complementary option after a stent; however, this evaluation is carried out in collaboration with cardiology.
Can I Have an EECP Evaluation After Bypass Surgery?
Yes, if you have ongoing symptoms after bypass surgery, this evaluation may come up. The decision is made after your current cardiology status has been reviewed.
Does EECP Change My Stent or Bypass Decision?
No. An EECP evaluation or treatment does not change a stent or bypass decision that has already been made or that may be needed in the future. These decisions belong only to your cardiovascular team.
What Do I Need to Bring for the Evaluation?
Bringing your current cardiology reports, a list of the medications you use, and, if applicable, documents related to any procedures you've had (stent, bypass) will help speed up the process.
For other questions, you can visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page or contact our Doctor directly.
Let's Evaluate Your Current Treatment Plan Together
Contact our cardiology team to find out whether EECP is a suitable complementary option for you. No change is made to your current treatment, before or after the evaluation, without your consent and your doctor's decision.