Anxiety and Depression with EECP Support
Anxiety and depression often occur together with heart and vascular complaints. EECP is not a psychiatric treatment. Its effect on anxiety and depression scores has been investigated in some patient groups; results are mixed.
- Non-Surgical
- 35 Sessions
- Painless
Briefly
Lowers anxiety and depression levels and improves mood and quality of life.
Treatment of anxiety and depression continues according to the plan of your psychiatrist and psychologist. EECP does not replace it.
In a study of 100 patients with arrhythmia, anxiety and depression scores fell more in the EECP group.
In a sham-controlled study, however, there was no difference in anxiety scores between the groups. The evidence is mixed.
How Do Anxiety and Depression Affect the Body?
Anxiety and depression affect not only mood but also the body. Palpitations, a feeling of breathlessness and sleep problems are common. Because these symptoms can be confused with heart complaints, heart and mental health are evaluated together.
Mood
Constant worry, restlessness, lack of motivation and inability to enjoy things may occur. The diagnosis and treatment plan are determined by a mental health specialist.
Palpitations
During moments of anxiety the heart may speed up and feel as if it is beating strongly. This symptom should also be evaluated from a cardiac standpoint.
Arrhythmia
Anxiety and depression can also be seen in patients with arrhythmia. For this reason, rhythm and mood are addressed together.
Hover over or tap the cards: the related area is highlighted in the image.
Feeling of breathlessness
During anxiety you may feel as if you cannot get enough air. In this complaint, heart and lung causes are excluded first.
Muscle tension
Prolonged anxiety can cause muscle tension and fatigue. This makes daily life and concentration at work more difficult.
Sleep and quality of life
Anxiety and depression can disturb sleep. Sleep problems can in turn negatively affect mood and daytime energy over time.
Anxiety and the Body: Before and with EECP
The comparison below shows in simple terms the support targeted with EECP. The effect varies from person to person; your mood is monitored with scales.
Burden of anxiety and depression
- Restlessness and lack of motivation
- Palpitations and sleep problems
- Decline in quality of life
Support alongside treatment
- Regular sessions while resting in a reclined position
- Follow-up with anxiety and depression scales
- Psychiatric treatment continues unchanged
Schematic illustration. EECP is not a treatment for anxiety or depression.
How Is EECP Applied?
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 moves toward the heart
Cuff pressure pushes blood toward the heart and increases flow in the vessels. You lie back and rest throughout the session.
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.
Mood is monitored
Anxiety and depression scales can be compared before and after the course. Results are shared with your mental health specialist.
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.
In people with arrhythmia
In the 100-patient randomized study, anxiety and depression scores fell more in the EECP group than in the control group.
Cardiac measurements
In the same study, blood pressure and cardiac ultrasound values were also better in the EECP group.
Sleep quality
In patients with chronic insomnia, the sleep quality score improved more with EECP than with sham treatment.
Mental quality of life
In the same study, the mental component of quality of life was better in the EECP group.
Expert recommendation
Experts in China recommend EECP for people with ischemic disease who experience anxiety or depression.
No surgery, no medication
It is applied from the outside with cuffs; you lie down and rest throughout the session.
Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?
First, your heart and vascular status is evaluated. Anxiety and depression complaints are addressed together with your mental health specialist. In patients with arrhythmia, the decision on EECP rests with our cardiologist.
✓May be suitable for
- Patients with heart or vascular disease who have anxiety and depression complaints
- Patients with episodic arrhythmia whom their cardiologist considers suitable
- People with insomnia and anxiety complaints who have been evaluated from a cardiac standpoint
- Patients seeking support in addition to heart medication, who continue psychiatric treatment and are suitable from a cardiac standpoint
✕Not suitable for
- Severe depression or thoughts of self-harm: urgent psychiatric support is needed first
- 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. In patients with mood complaints, short scales can be used before and after the course.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety, Depression and EECP
Does EECP reduce anxiety?
In a study of patients with arrhythmia, anxiety scores fell more. In another sham-controlled study, however, there was no difference between the groups.
Should I stop my depression medication?
No. Your treatment continues according to your psychiatrist's plan. EECP does not replace medication or psychotherapy; only your doctor decides on medication changes.
How does this page differ from the page on depression in vascular patients?
That page describes depression accompanying heart disease. This page focuses on anxiety and on studies in different patient groups such as arrhythmia and insomnia.
Are my palpitations from anxiety or from the heart?
To tell the difference, a heart evaluation and, if needed, a rhythm recording are done first. If an arrhythmia is found, its treatment is planned by your cardiologist.
How many sessions are needed?
The standard course is 35 sessions: 5 days a week, 60 minutes per session. In the arrhythmia study a 4-week course was applied, and in the insomnia study a 35-session course.
I feel very bad; what should I do?
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a healthcare professional or the nearest emergency room without waiting. In this situation, the priority is to get support immediately.
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Contact us for a free preliminary assessment
Let's talk through your anxiety, palpitation or mood complaints together. Our cardiologist evaluates your heart and openly tells you whether EECP is suitable for you. If needed, we make a joint plan with your mental health specialist.
- Non-Surgical
- Painless
- Physician-Supervised
- Nicosia and Morphou