Patient information
EECP is a non-invasive outpatient treatment that may be considered for some patients with heart-related symptoms. Whether it is right for you is a decision made together with your cardiologist or GP.
What is EECP?
EECP stands for Enhanced External Counterpulsation. It is a non-invasive treatment used for some people with ongoing heart-related symptoms — usually chest discomfort (angina) — that have not been fully controlled by medications, stents or bypass surgery alone.
During a session, padded cuffs are wrapped around your calves, thighs and hips. The cuffs gently inflate and deflate in time with your heartbeat. This is intended to help blood flow to the heart muscle and reduce the workload on the heart.
What happens in a session?
- You lie comfortably on a treatment bed.
- Padded cuffs are placed around your lower legs and thighs.
- The cuffs inflate during the resting part of each heartbeat and release just before the next beat.
- Your heart rhythm is monitored throughout the session.
- A session usually lasts about 1 hour.
Most people are able to read, watch TV, listen to music or rest during sessions. There are no needles, no anaesthetic and no incisions involved.
How long is the treatment course?
A typical course is around 40 sessions, often delivered as one session per weekday over about 8 weeks. The exact schedule is decided based on your individual situation.
Is EECP right for me?
EECP is only suitable for certain people. It is generally considered for patients who:
- Have ongoing angina or other heart-related symptoms despite medications.
- Are not currently suitable for further stenting or bypass surgery, or have already had these treatments.
- Are otherwise medically stable.
Some health conditions mean EECP is not appropriate. Your cardiologist or GP, along with the clinic team, will check whether EECP is safe and suitable for you before treatment is offered.
What EECP is not
EECP is not a cure for heart disease. It is not a replacement for medications, stenting or bypass surgery when those treatments are needed. It works alongside the care you already receive from your cardiologist or GP — not instead of it. Any changes to your medications must be made by your treating doctor.
What about results?
Studies have reported improvements in angina symptoms, exercise tolerance and quality of life in some patients after completing a course of EECP. Results vary from person to person.
How do I get a referral?
EECP is delivered by referral from a doctor. The best first step is to speak with your cardiologist or GP. If they think EECP may be appropriate, they can complete a secure referral to the clinic, including the clinical information needed for assessment.
Questions?
If you would like general (non-clinical) information about the clinic, please see the Contact page. For anything to do with your individual health, please contact your treating doctor. In a medical emergency, call 000.
Have a general question?
For non-clinical questions about the clinic, get in touch. For anything about your health, please speak with your doctor.