External CounterPulsation – The Benefits

External CounterPulsation (ECP) appears to have both short-term and long-term benefits. A study published in the Clinical Cardiology reported results in 33 patients with coronary heart disease who received External CounterPulsation (ECP).

After five years, 64 percent did not need bypass surgery or balloon angioplasty and did not have a major adverse cardiovascular event. This rate is similar to that found in many people who are treated with bypass surgery or angioplasty. A more recent study showed that External CounterPulsation (ECP) procedure relieves angina and improves perfusion (blood flow to the heart) during stress in patients with coronary artery disease. The research was published in the April 1, 2002 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology. Doctors are uncertain exactly how External CounterPulsation (ECP) helps ease angina. The procedure may stimulate the growth of tiny blood vessels in the heart and help bypass blocked blood vessels. This would increase blood flow and oxygen to deprived areas of the heart. External CounterPulsation (ECP) may also improve the function of existing blood vessels.

External CounterPulsation (ECP) unequivocally and significantly increases diastolic and mean pressures and reduces systolic pressure in the central aorta and coronary artery. Coronary artery flow, determined by both Doppler and angiographic techniques, is increased during External CounterPulsation (ECP). The combined effects of systolic unloading and increased coronary perfusion pressure provide evidence that External CounterPulsation (ECP) may serve as a potential mechanical assist device.

Summary of Effects of External CounterPulsation

Biochemical Markers
• Increase in Nitric Oxide Levels
• Decrease in Endothelin Levels
• Decrease in BNP Levels
• Increase in VEGF Levels

Functional Measures
• Increase in Time to ST Depression
• Increase in Exercise Tolerance
• Improvement in Peak Oxygen Consumption
• Increase in Cardiac Contractility
• Reduction in Systemic Vascular Resistance
• Decrease in Peak Systolic Pressure
• Increase in Ejection Fraction
• Increase in Cardiac Output
• Increase in Intra coronary Pressure and Blood Flow Velocity

Clinical Outcomes
• Increase in Nitric Oxide Levels
• Decrease in Endothelin Levels
• Decrease in BNP Levels
Increase in VEGF Levels