EECP (ENHANCED EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION)
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive technique to treat chronic stable chest pain (angina). Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood and oxygen to support the work it is doing. Many people experience angina during exertion – when the heart has to work harder and needs more oxygen. EECP is designed to reduce the heart’s workload while increasing the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the heart, thereby relieving angina pain.
EECP was approved by the FDA in 1997; however, the idea behind it was developed in the 1950s. (Source: National Coalition for women with Heart Disease/ MedlinePlus 2008)
