Stroke Prevention and EECP
A significant share of strokes can be prevented. The foundation of prevention is blood pressure control, an active life and a Mediterranean-style diet. EECP does not replace this foundation; it is an additional method whose effect on brain circulation is being studied.
- Non-Surgical
- 35 Sessions
- Painless
Briefly
Protects the brain by reducing the chance of having a stroke in the future in healthy people.
Blood pressure control is a critical step in stroke prevention; current guidelines emphasize this in particular.
In healthy volunteers, blood flow to the brain did not increase during EECP; the brain regulates its own flow.
That EECP reduces stroke risk was not shown in the studies we have read. The evidence is limited.
What Are the Factors That Increase Stroke Risk?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain suddenly decreases or when a vessel bleeds. Risk builds up over years, often without symptoms. This is why early screening and risk control are important.
Narrowing in the carotid arteries
Plaque can build up in the vessels of the neck. Pieces that break off from it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Small vessels of the brain
High blood pressure wears down the small vessels of the brain over the years. This damage can progress silently.
Heart rhythm
An irregular heart rhythm can lead to clot formation in the heart. If the clot travels to the brain, a stroke develops. For this reason, rhythm disorders are screened separately.
Hover over or tap the cards: the related area is highlighted in the image.
Heart and blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure that the blood pumped by the heart exerts on the vessel wall. Guidelines regard blood pressure control as critical in stroke prevention.
Blood sugar
Diabetes damages both large and small vessels. Blood sugar control also concerns the brain vessels.
Physical inactivity
Staying inactive for long periods during the day is linked to an increased risk of stroke. Guidelines recommend regular movement.
Brain Circulation: Before and With EECP
The comparison below simply shows the circulation support targeted with EECP. This support does not replace the treatment of risk factors; your blood pressure and diabetes treatment continue unchanged.
Brain vessels at risk
- Narrowing in a carotid or brain vessel
- Fluctuations in blood pressure
- Sedentary life
Supported brain circulation
- An increase in flow is targeted in those with narrowing
- Blood pressure and pulse are measured at every session
- Risk factor treatment continues unchanged
This is a schematic illustration. EECP does not remove the plaque in the vessel.
How Does EECP Affect Brain Circulation?
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.
Pressure toward the brain increases
The pressure that rises while the heart relaxes is also reflected in the vessels going to the brain. A healthy brain regulates this flow on its own.
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.
Risk follow-up continues
Throughout the course, blood pressure and pulse are measured. Your risk factors are followed together with neurology and cardiology.
Stroke Risk and EECP: What Has Been Reported?
The response varies from person to person. The following are the gains that are targeted and have been reported in studies.
Carotid artery flow
In people with neurological disease, flow in the internal carotid artery increased by an average of 6.7 percent during EECP.
Non-surgical and painless
It is applied from the outside with cuffs; you lie down and rest throughout the session.
Blood pressure fluctuations
In patients who had recently had a stroke, beat-to-beat blood pressure fluctuation decreased after 35 sessions.
Transient ischemic attack
A consensus of Chinese experts lists EECP among the areas of use in transient ischemic attack.
Measurement at every session
Blood pressure and pulse are checked before and after every session.
Part of the prevention plan
EECP is considered together with a Mediterranean-style diet, regular movement and blood pressure treatment.
Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?
First, your stroke risk is assessed. Blood pressure, heart rhythm, blood sugar and the neck vessels are considered together. The decision on EECP is made together with our cardiologist and, if needed, your neurologist.
✓May be suitable for
- People who have had a transient ischemic attack, whose cause has been investigated and whose treatment has started
- People under follow-up in whom narrowing of the brain or neck vessels has been found
- Adults with several risk factors whose blood pressure is under control
- Patients who recently had a stroke, are continuing treatment to prevent recurrence and have controlled blood pressure
✕Not suitable for
- Aneurysm in a brain vessel
- Newly started stroke symptoms: in this case, go to the emergency room immediately
- 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, the neck vessel and rhythm assessment is reviewed before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stroke Prevention and EECP
Does EECP reduce stroke risk?
This was not shown in the studies we have read. In a retrospective study of 798 patients who had had a heart attack, the stroke rate was also not found to be different in those who received EECP.
I am healthy; should I have EECP for my brain circulation?
In healthy volunteers, blood flow to the brain did not increase during EECP. In healthy people, the foundation of prevention is the control of risk factors.
I had a transient stroke (TIA); is EECP suitable?
A transient ischemic attack is a serious warning, and its cause must be investigated first. EECP can only be discussed with your neurologist after this assessment and treatment have started.
I have narrowing in my carotid artery; can I have EECP?
The degree of narrowing and the need for treatment are first evaluated by a vascular surgeon or neurologist. EECP does not replace these treatments; the suitability decision is made with our cardiologist.
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.
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 doctor.
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Contact us for a free preliminary assessment
Let's talk together about your stroke risk and the place of EECP for you. Our cardiologist will evaluate your blood pressure measurements, tests and vessel imaging. If EECP is not suitable for you, we will say so clearly.
- Non-Surgical
- Painless
- Physician-Supervised
- Nicosia and Morphou