EECP Therapy

Therapy that gets to the heart of the problem.

EECP therapy is an outpatient treatment for angina (chest pain). Treatments are usually given for an hour each day, five days a week, for a total of 35 hours.

During the treatment, you lie on a comfortable treatment table with large blood pressure-like cuffs wrapped around your legs and buttocks. These cuffs inflate and deflate at specific times between your heart beats. A continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to set the timing so the cuffs inflate while the heart is at rest, when it normally gets its supply of blood oxygen. The cuffs deflate at the end of the rest period, just before the next heart beat. The special sensor applied to your finger checks the oxygen level in your blood monitors the pressure waves created by the cuff inflations and deflations.

Are you a candidate for EECP Therapy?

You may be a candidate if:

• You have angina and / or heart failure 
• Your heart medications no longer relieve your angina or heart failure symptoms 
• You have had open-heart (bypass) surgery, a balloon angioplasty or stent, or other invasive procedures, and your symptoms have returned 
• You have been told you cannot have another bypass surgery, balloon angioplasty or stent, or other invasive procedures 
• You do not have any other medical conditions that may prevent you from having EECP therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the advantages of EECP Therapy?

A: EECP therapy is not invasive, does not require a hospital stay, has no recovery period, and allows you to return to your routine each day after receiving treatment.

Q: What re the benefits of EECP Therapy?

A: More than 80% of patients receive positive results, such as the following: 

• Having no angina or angina that is less frequent and less intense 
• Having more energy 
• Being able to take part in more activities of daily living with little or no angina or heart failure symptoms 
• Enjoying a better quality of life 
• Having a more positive outlook

Q: When can I expect to feel improvement?

A: Each patient responds differently. Most patients report beginning to feel better about halfway through the seven weeks.

Q: Does insurance cover EECP Therapy?

A:  Yes, Medicare covers EECP treatments for the patients who meet the Medicare criteria. Most private insurance companies have coverage policies similar to Medicare.

For appointments or consultations please contact us at, Classic City Cardiology, P.C., Dr. Susan Kreher
(706) 543-8444