ECP Specialist

An external counterpulsation (ECP) treatment is a noninvasive procedure that uses pulses of energy to stimulate the growth of new blood cells in your heart. This treatment can also improve existing blood flow to prevent heart damage.

The purpose of an ECP treatment is to produce new blood vessels that blood can travel through when existing vessels are blocked. This treatment is usually an option for those who can’t tolerate heart procedures, like bypass surgery but are at risk for heart attacks, stroke, and heart disease.

Those who can undergo this kind of heart surgery may also benefit from ECP treatments following their procedure.

An ECP treatment is an outpatient procedure that requires no special preparation. Your Marion Physician Associates provider performs the ECP treatment in-office using state-of-the-art technology.

You can expect to lie comfortably on an exam table, then your provider places special cuffs around your calf and thighs. These cuffs connect to a monitor and allow your doctor to make necessary pressure adjustments as needed.

Your Marion Physician Associates doctor inflates and deflates the cuffs based on the results of an electrocardiogram (EKG) that monitors the rhythm of your heart throughout treatment.

The cuff pressure increases while the heart is at rest and deflates at the start of each new heartbeat. This allows more oxygen-rich blood to flow through the chambers of your heart.

To achieve the maximum benefit of an ECP treatment, your Marion Physician Associates provider may recommend daily treatments for up to 12 weeks, depending on your specific needs and overall health.

Immediately after your treatment, you can expect to go home and resume your usual routine without any limitations. You may feel tired initially, but after additional treatments, you may experience a boost in your energy levels.

In addition to feeling tired, ECP treatments can also cause other mild side effects, such as:

Dizziness
Headaches
Muscle aches
Skin irritation

These symptoms usually resolve in a day or two without any treatment.

Your provider monitors your heart and overall health following each ECP treatment to evaluate its success. Through their comprehensive, on-site cardiology services, the Marion Physician Associates medical team continues to ensure your heart is functioning optimally after your treatment is complete.

To learn more about the benefits of ECP treatments for heart blockages, call the Marion Physician Associates, P.A. office nearest you today or request a cardiology consultation online now.