El Camino Hospital's Cardiovascular Pulmonary Wellness Center offers Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP®) for the treatment of angina. This non-invasive treatment is administered on an outpatient basis. There are many therapies available for angina treatment. Your doctor can advise you on the best treatment based on your individual circumstances.

A typical EECP® course of treatment includes several sessions in which a series of pressure cuffs are placed around the legs of the patient while he or she is lying down. These pressure cuffs are then inflated and deflated in sync with the patient's heart beat, which provides the patient with counterpulsation.

The EECP® system pumps when the heart is resting and stops pumping when the heart is working. Counterpulsation increases blood flow to the heart muscle, decreases the heart's workload, and creates greater oxygen supply and less oxygen demand.

Candidates for EECP® include:

• Individuals who have chronic stable angina
• Are not receiving adequate relief from angina by taking nitrate drugs
• Are not candidates for invasive procedures, such as surgery and balloon angioplasty
• Are referred to this therapy by their physician

Possible improvements after having EECP® therapy

• Reduced frequence of angina attacks
• Less painful angina attacks
• Reduction of anti-anginal medications
• Ability to walk farther and carry heavier packages
• Increased daily activities without having angina pain