External Counterpulsation (ECP) Therapy
Non-invasive treatment for improved circulation and management of angina, heart failure and acute myocardial infarction
Cloudberry now offers External Counterpulsation (ECP), a low-risk, non-invasive therapy for treating chronic stable angina, heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. ECP has shown promise in several “off-label” applications, too.
ECP is FDA-approved for patients who may already have had stents or bypass surgery, or need to improve exercise tolerance. After several treatments, ECP can encourage blood vessels to open new pathways, which eventually become natural bypass vessels that help improve circulation for better cardio performance.
Cardio Benefits of Exercise
During each treatment, the patient is fitted with three sets of pneumatic cuffs that contract and release in sync with the heartbeat. When the cuffs contract during diastole (as the heart muscle relaxes) aortic diastolic pressure is increased, improving blood flow to and from the heart so more oxygenated blood is delivered throughout the body.
As a result, patients receive the cardio benefits of physical exercise without the additional wear and tear on the body, as well as improved functional capacity, reduced fatigue and increased energy.
Photo by Gabriella Marls
What to Expect
At Cloudberry, we provide ECP in the comfort and convenience of our clinic on Hospital Drive. The therapy is often prescribed as a series of one-hour sessions that take place daily over several weeks.
For each treatment, the technician begins by checking your blood pressure and pulse. You then relax on a padded bed; the technician will attach cuffs around your lower legs, upper legs and buttocks, place a blood pressure sensor on your finger and affix EKG monitors on your chest to obtain your heart rhythm.
As air fills the cuffs, you'll feel them grow tighter until they reach full treatment pressure. The technician remains close by to assure your comfort and safety and adjust the pressure as needed.
After approximately 60 minutes, the technician will detach the EKG monitors and cuffs and once again take your vitals. You can return to your regular daily routine immediately afterward.
OFF-LABEL TREATMENT
Besides the approved, “on-label” applications, ECP has shown promise as “off-label” treatment of long COVID, depression and anxiety, as well as for athletes looking to improve their cardio-pulmonary function, especially in high altitude conditions.
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Long COVID: Emerging data suggest that ECP may decrease fatigue, improve exercise tolerance and other cardiovascular-related symptoms in patients with long COVID, enabling some to return to work.
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Mental health: ECP has been demonstrated to significantly improve patient-reported outcomes in terms of anxiety, depression and overall quality of life.
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Athletic performance: By improving blood flow to the heart and optimizing circulation throughout the body, ECP has been shown to boost endurance, recovery and overall sports performance.
ECP therapy has also proven effective for patients with diabetes, vascular erectile dysfunction, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral vascular disease, movement disorders, kidney dysfunction, memory loss, stroke, diabetic retinopathy and dementia.
