While most people are familiar with the terms "bypass surgery" and "balloon angioplasty," not everyone is aware of EECP. Yet, EECP is a safe, efficacious treatment option for angina, which is characterized by agonizing spasms of pain.

Lourdes is the only hospital in the region to have two of the EECP therapy tables to better meet the needs, and help decrease the waiting time for our patients.

The severity and frequency of angina can be decreased in many people without surgery. People who have partially blocked arteries may have blood-starved hearts. The EECP system includes a series of cuffs around the legs that inflate and deflate in sync with the heart beat. When inflated, cuffs push oxygen-rich blood toward the heart. When cuffs deflate, blood leaves the heart without the organ having to work as hard. Cardiologists believe that over time, EECP can help tiny blood vessels carry more blood to the heart muscle, offsetting blocked arteries. EECP is currently the only clinically tested and proven noninvasive outpatient procedure to relieve angina.

Patients who receive EECP usually experience increased exercise tolerance, elimination or decrease in anginal episodes, and decreased need for anti-anginal medication. Patients and physicians are available to be interviewed with success stories.

For more information, call 1-888-MY-1-HEART.