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EECP - An Alternative to Taking Care Of Your Heart Health Without Exercising

EECP - Enhanced External Counter Pulsation - is a technology that stimulates blood flow and creates new blood vessels without surgery or chemicals, hence reducing the need for medication and improving circulation of the blood to the heart and other organs.
EECP is a medical innovation that is used to treat a variety of diseases such as ischemic stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and ischemic heart disease, which is one of Thailand's top three fatal diseases.
In a research after EECP therapy for erectile dysfunction, 70% of subjects reported an increase in sex drive, a 93% increase in genital blood flow, and a 58% improvement in erection quality.

The "Heart" is a fist-sized organ that functions as the most vital organ in the human body, pumping blood and carrying oxygen and nutrition to the body's organs. Most illnesses and diseases, such as high blood pressure, stroke, coronary artery stenosis, heart failure, and erectile dysfunction, are caused by decreased blood flow and arterial hardening and constriction, which deprives the organs of essential oxygen and nutrients.

These diseases can also be brought on by the arteries' lack of flexibility or inflammation, which can happen anywhere in the body, in addition to the direct constriction or narrowing of the arteries. As a result, the blood vessels, which are the main cause of the issue, must be treated.

EECP- Enhanced External Counter Pulsation is a non-surgical, chemical-free blood flow stimulation technology that reduces the need for medication. It is effective in increasing blood flow to the heart and organs and also improves recovery after sports. In the United States, EECP, which imitates the body's reaction to passive exercise, is widely utilized and studied.

ECP (External Counter Pulsation) operates by compressing an air bag-like device around the legs and hips to rhythmically squeeze and relax the heart. This allows more blood to circulate to the heart, increasing blood flow to vital organs, stimulating the intake of oxygen and essential nutrients to various regions of the body, reducing inflammation of the blood vessels, and allowing the body to heal itself naturally (Natural Healing).

EECP is a medical innovation that was originally used in patients with ischemic heart disease and heart failure who had angina pectoris following medication administration but were not eligible for therapeutic bypass surgery. However , procedures and research in many diseases, such as ischemic stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and sexual dysfunction, have been developed over the last 20 years. This type of treatment aims to address the underlying cause of an illness or abnormality in the body. It also involves physical recuperation in replacement of or in addition to exercise.

Who Is EECP Treatment Suitable For?

This therapy is utilized not just for individuals with coronary artery disease, but also for those with other conditions such as:

Individuals who would like to enhance their sports and exercise performance or lessen exhaustion while working out.
Individuals with Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
Diabetes patients who may or may not develop complications such as diabetic ulcers due to decreased peripheral blood circulation or kidney dysfunction.
Individuals with high blood pressure.
Individuals who have been paralyzed by a prior stroke.

During ongoing therapy, the objective of EECP is to enhance oxygen supply to the organs by increasing arteriovenous agents that stimulate the creation of small blood vessels and capillaries in the myocardium. It has been found that approximately 80% of subjects achieved the criterion for reduced medication usage and increased exercise duration, resulting in the same long-term health benefits as those who met the requirements for actual exercise. The therapeutic effect is fully achieved when one hour of treatment is performed per day, five days per week for seven weeks (35 sessions). According to research data, this effect can be sustained for up to two years.

Limitations of EECP Treatment

Nevertheless, the treatment to stimulate blood flow in the body, EECP, should be used with caution, and individuals should consult their doctor before receiving treatment. There are also limitations or exceptions in some individuals, including:

Individuals who have undergone any type of surgery within the last 6 weeks.
Individuals who received cardiac catheterization within the last 2 weeks.
Individuals with irregular heartbeats, as well as those who use a Pacemaker and whose heart beats erratically to the extent that it interferes with the machine's operation.
Individuals suffering from severe valvular heart disease.
Individuals with peripheral arterial disease, venous stenosis, or inflammation are at risk of developing thromboembolism.
Individuals who have severe hypertension (systolic pressure 180 mmHg and diastolic pressure 110 mmHg) should always be controlled by medication first.
Individuals with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant drugs such as Warfarin with an INR > 2.5.
Individuals whose heart rate is less than 35 beats per minute or more than 125 beats per minute.

Risks or Complications of EECP Treatment

Complications from the treatment are relatively few, most of them do not have side effects. There are certain abnormalities, such as headaches, especially after the first several days due to dilated blood vessels, fatigue, or muscular pains from remaining still for 30-60 minutes (depending on the indication and treatment program). In the elderly, there may be blisters or minor skin irritations, bruises or localized numbness.

EECP and COVID-19

Following recovery from COVID-19, follow-up examinations revealed that approximately 80% still had fatigue, muscle aches, and nearly 30% still had sleep difficulties, memory, emotion, and concentration, with some of these symptoms persisting for 3 months after recovering from the primary infection or "Long COVID" condition.
Long COVID patients can increase their physical activity and reduce symptoms of weariness, according to research data given at the 2022 EECP American College of Cardiology Conference. In addition, EECP treatment has also been reported to reduce brain fog, another prominent symptom of Long COVID.

EECP and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Several factors can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including hormone deficiency or sex hormone imbalance, drug use, chronic illnesses, smoking, and drinking. In addition to substance misuse, stress, anxiety, and marital issues. Another prevalent reason, abnormalities of blood vessels were discovered to be the primary cause in those who are obese or had abnormalities in blood sugar and lipids.
The study found that EECP increased pelvic blood flow by 140% and no serious side effects were found in the treatment.
After EECP treatment, 70% of the subjects had improved sexual function. It enhanced blood flow in the genitals which increased by 93% and erection quality improved by 58%, making it an interesting alternative with other treatments.

EECP and Exercise

Adequate and regular exercise contributes to good physical and mental health, but many individuals are unable to exercise for various reasons. Lack of exercise, for instance, can cause your blood pressure and heart rate to rapidly rise during activity, making intensive exertion difficult.
The effect of EECP, which causes changes in the body similar to those caused by regular exercise, such as controlling the increase in blood pressure and heart rate during exercise, improves fitness, reduces inflammation, and reduces muscle fatigue after intense training, stimulates the body's metabolism, and increased blood and lymph flow, which causes peripheral vasodilation. Such effects have been reported in both professional athletes and the general public.
According to this principle, EECP treatment must be practiced constantly, just like actual exercise. Individuals who are healthy should utilize the ECP Wellness program three times per week (30 minutes each session), whereas those with underlying conditions should use the ECP Care program 3-5 times per week (60 minutes each session).

Interested in EECP, a technology that stimulates blood circulation in the body, click here.

References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16949-enhanced-external-counterpulsation-eecp
https://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/eecp-enhanced-external-counter-pulsation-treatment
https://www.verywellhealth.com/enhanced-external-counterpulsation-eecp-1745293
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6284534
https://www.healurheart.com/EECP-Wellness-Erectile%20Dysfunction.php
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9933838