Heart Attack Prevention and the Role of EECP
The most important way to prevent a heart attack is a healthy life, lived throughout your life. EECP does not replace this foundation. It is being studied as a non-surgical additional option that supports vessel health.
- Non-Surgical
- 35 Sessions
- Painless
Briefly
Protects the heart by reducing the risk of a future heart attack and heart failure in healthy people and in heart patients.
The foundation of prevention is healthy eating, regular movement, quitting smoking and control of risk factors.
EECP can improve the function of the inner vessel lining; this has been shown in a meta-analysis of controlled studies.
That it prevents heart attacks has not been shown in the studies we have read. The evidence on this point is limited.
What Happens on the Road to a Heart Attack?
A heart attack is often the result of atherosclerosis that develops over years. The plaque that builds up in the vessel wall can rupture and a clot can form on it. If the clot blocks the vessel, the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and is damaged.
Plaque in the coronary vessels
Fat and inflammatory cells build up in the walls of the vessels that feed the heart. This build-up is called plaque.
Heart muscle deprived of oxygen
If the plaque ruptures and the vessel becomes blocked, part of the heart muscle is left without blood. This is called a heart attack.
Inner vessel lining
The inner lining of the vessels regulates the widening and narrowing of the vessel. Impairment of this function is an early sign of atherosclerosis.
Hover over or tap the cards: the related area is highlighted in the image.
Blood sugar
High blood sugar damages the vessel wall. Diabetes is one of the main factors that increase heart attack risk.
Movement
Regular movement protects the heart and vessels. Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Risk factors work as a whole
Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight and smoking are evaluated together. Risk is not calculated by looking at a single value.
Vessel Health: Before and With EECP
The comparison below simply shows the vessel support targeted with EECP. This support does not replace the treatment of risk factors.
A vessel carrying risk
- The function of the inner vessel lining has weakened
- Blood sugar or blood pressure control is inadequate
- Sedentary life
Supported vessel function
- Blood flow stimulating the inner vessel lining
- Improvement of the vessel dilation response is targeted
- Follow-up of risk factors continues alongside the sessions
This is a schematic illustration. EECP does not remove the plaque in the vessel.
How Does EECP Support the Vessels?
During treatment you lie down and rest. The device monitors your heart rhythm with an ECG and controls the cuffs accordingly.
Cuffs inflate
While the heart relaxes, the cuffs on the calves, thighs and buttocks inflate in sequence: first the calves, then the thighs and buttocks.
Blood flow speeds up
Blood in the legs is pushed toward the heart and flow in the vessels increases. The increased flow stimulates the inner vessel lining.
The heart's workload decreases
The pressure is released just before the heart contracts, so the heart pumps more easily. This cycle repeats with every heartbeat.
Follow-up continues
Throughout the course, blood pressure and pulse are measured. Your risk factors are reviewed together with our cardiologist.
What Has Been Reported in Studies?
The response varies from person to person. The following are the gains that are targeted and have been reported in studies.
Inner vessel lining function
In a meta-analysis of 19 controlled studies, the vessel dilation response improved after 3–7 weeks of EECP.
Those with impaired glucose tolerance
In this group, blood flow in the arm vessels improved after EECP; an improvement in blood sugar control was also seen.
Inflammation markers
A decrease in blood inflammation markers was reported in the same research group.
In patients who had had an attack
In a retrospective study, those who received EECP had less recurrent chest pain and fewer repeat vessel-opening procedures.
Regular measurement
Throughout the course, blood pressure and pulse are measured at every session.
Part of the prevention plan
EECP is considered together with nutrition, exercise and medication.
Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?
First, your heart attack risk is assessed. Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and family history are considered together. The decision on EECP is made individually by our cardiologist.
✓May be suitable for
- Patients who have had a heart attack, have completed their treatment and are under cardiologist follow-up
- People with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
- Adults with several risk factors who want to support their vessel health
- Patients after stent or bypass who want to support vessel health with their cardiologist's approval
✕Not suitable for
- People whose chest pain has newly started or increased and has not yet been evaluated
- Severe aortic valve insufficiency
- Aortic aneurysm
- Active deep vein thrombosis or vein inflammation
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- severe arrhythmia
- Marked bleeding tendency and pregnancy
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
Blood pressure and pulse are checked before every session. At the end of the course, the results are reviewed with our cardiologist. For prevention-related visits, tests and risk calculation are reviewed before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Attack Prevention and EECP
Does EECP prevent a heart attack?
This was not shown in the studies we have read. In a retrospective study of 798 patients who had had a heart attack, the rate of repeat heart attacks was not found to be different in those who received EECP.
I am healthy; should I have EECP?
In healthy people, the foundation of prevention is a healthy life and control of risk factors. For those who want EECP, a risk assessment is done first; the decision is made together with our cardiologist.
Who is it considered for more?
In people with diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance or a history of heart attack, it may be discussed to support vessel health. Medication and lifestyle changes continue in these people as well.
Will I keep taking my medications?
Yes. You need to continue your medications as your cardiologist recommends. The decision to change medication is made only by your doctor.
Does EECP replace exercise?
No. Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. EECP is considered alongside this recommendation, not instead of it.
How many sessions are needed?
The standard course is 35 sessions: 5 days a week, 60 minutes per session. You return to daily life right after the session. When the course ends, follow-up of your risk factors continues with your cardiologist.
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Contact us for a free preliminary assessment
Let's talk together about your heart attack risk and the place of EECP for you. Our cardiologist will evaluate your tests, medications and medical history. If EECP is not suitable for you, we will say so clearly.
- Non-Surgical
- Painless
- Physician-Supervised
- Nicosia and Morphou