Enhanced External Counterpulsation: 3 Unique Benefits of EECP

Enhanced External Counterpulsation: What is EECP?

• EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) is a non-invasive circulatory support technique.

• It uses inflatable cuffs (like blood pressure cuffs) placed on the legs and buttocks.

• The cuffs inflate and deflate in sync with the heartbeat, improving blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs.

• It enhances circulation by increasing venous return and diastolic aortic pressure, which improves myocardial function.

How Does Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) Work?

• Sequential inflation of the cuffs squeezes blood from the legs toward the heart.

• The inflation occurs during the heart’s resting phase (diastole) to boost blood supply.

• It helps open smaller blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and supports vessel repair.

• Benefits include:

  • Increased blood flow to vital organs (heart, brain, kidneys)

  • Improved heart function and reduced stress

  • Support for brain recovery after stroke

  • Better blood sugar control in diabetics

Who Can Benefit from Enhanced External Counterpulsation EECP?

EECP is especially helpful for patients with the following conditions:

• Cardiovascular Issues:

  • Angina (chest pain)

  • Heart failure

  • Past heart attacks

• Neurological Disorders:

  • Ischemic stroke

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Alzheimer’s disease

• Metabolic and Other Conditions:

  • Type 2 diabetes (and its complications)

  • Eye diseases due to poor blood flow

  • Sleep disorders

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Sudden hearing loss

  • Depression or anxiety due to chronic illness

Also Read: EECP Treatment for Old Age Patients

Who Should Not Receive EECP? (Contraindications)

• Blood clots in the legs

• Severe heart valve problems (e.g., severe aortic regurgitation)

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Irregular heartbeat not well-managed

• Open wounds or skin infections on the legs

• High lung pressure

How is EECP Administered?

• Standard Protocol:

  • 1 hour/day, 5–6 days/week for 6–7 weeks (total of 35–36 hours)

• Cuffs are placed on:

  • Calves

  • Thighs

  • Buttocks

• Monitoring includes:

  • Blood pressure

  • Heart rate and rhythm

  • Oxygen saturation

  • Skin condition

• Adjustments:

  • Based on patient comfort and response

  • Treatment stopped if oxygen drops or pain occurs

How to Prepare for EECP

• Keep stomach empty for at least 2–3 hours before the session

• Empty your bladder for comfort before starting

• Take prescribed medications as advised by your doctor

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing; avoid tight undergarments

• Avoid caffeine or heavy meals right before treatment

• Stay relaxed and calm; deep breathing may help

• Avoid using mobile phones or talking during the session

• Inform staff if you feel discomfort, pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath

• Remove jewelry or objects around waist and thighs

• Bring water and a light snack for after the session if needed

Safety and Monitoring

• Patients should be screened before starting EECP.

• Ongoing monitoring during sessions is essential.

• Doctors adjust cuff pressure and timing as needed.

• EECP is generally safe and well-tolerated with proper care.

Treatment Maintenance and Follow-up

• Shorter sessions can be used for less fit or frail patients.

• Booster treatments can be repeated yearly.

• Maintenance therapy may include 2–3 hours/week after initial cycle.

Benefits of EECP

• Reduces chest pain and improves exercise tolerance

• Enhances heart and brain function

• Supports recovery after heart procedures or stroke

• Improves quality of life in elderly patients

• Helps manage:

  • Sleep and mood disorders

  • Blood sugar in diabetics

  • Vision and hearing loss

  • Sexual dysfunction

Conclusion

EECP is a safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment option for elderly individuals with cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic conditions. It is especially valuable for those who are not good candidates for surgery or strong medications. With proper screening, individualized protocols, and professional monitoring, EECP significantly improves symptoms, functionality, and overall quality of life.

About Mr. Vivek Singh Sengar

Mr. Vivek Singh Sengar is a highly respected EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) expert with over 13 years of clinical experience in the field of non-invasive cardiology and integrative care. As the Founder of FIT MY HEART, he has dedicated his career to providing advanced EECP therapy to patients suffering from chronic heart conditions such as heart failure, angina, low ejection fraction, post-heart attack recovery, and coronary blockages.

Trained in Clinical Nutrition and Integrative Cardiac Rehabilitation, Mr. Sengar blends modern science with lifestyle medicine to deliver holistic, drug-free heart care. He has treated thousands of patients who were either ineligible for bypass or angioplasty, helping them regain functional capacity, improve heart pumping, and reverse symptoms—often without surgery.

His approach combines EECP with chrono-nutrition, therapeutic fasting, herbal support, Panchakarma, and patient education to address root causes rather than just symptoms. Mr. Sengar is also the creator of India’s first 60-hour EECP training program for healthcare professionals and is widely regarded as a pioneer in the expansion of EECP in India for both cardiac and non-cardiac applications.

With a deep passion for preventive healthcare, Mr. Vivek Singh Sengar continues to inspire trust, transformation, and long-term wellness in patients across the country.