Stiff vessels
When the blood vessels no longer work well.
Vascular function and EECP in brief.
EECP Cardio Pulse supports the function of the blood vessels (endothelial function) and can thus contribute to vascular health in the long term.
How you may notice declining vascular function.
- Blood pressure rises, especially the upper value
- You run out of breath more quickly during exertion
- Cold hands and feet, even when it is warm
- Recovery after exertion takes longer
- Risk factors such as diabetes, smoking or high blood lipids
- A vascular check shows impaired vascular function
What stiff vessels mean.
The inner lining of the vessels, the endothelium, determines how well vessels widen and adapt blood flow to demand. If this function is impaired, circulation suffers throughout the body. This is often an early step in vascular ageing.
How EECP can complement vascular training.
Vascular function can be improved. Endurance training, stopping smoking and well-controlled values all act on the vessel lining. That can remain the foundation. EECP Cardio Pulse can complement it. It trains the vessel lining in a targeted and passive way, session by session. That can be an option when training is only possible to a limited extent.
What EECP can do for stiff vessels.
The rhythmic pressure of EECP increases the shear stress on the inner vessel wall. As a result, the endothelium produces more vessel-widening messenger substances. In this way, vascular function can improve over the course of treatment.
Who EECP may be suitable for with declining vascular function.
Impaired vascular function
Measurements or risk factors show that the vessels no longer widen well. EECP Cardio Pulse works directly at that point.
When training is not enough
You exercise, but the values stay the same. EECP Cardio Pulse can complement the training effect on the vessels.
Alongside treatment for heart disease
Better vascular function is a goal in many heart diseases. EECP Cardio Pulse pursues it without additional strain.
What speaks for EECP in declining vascular function.
Trains the vessel lining (endothelium)
Aim: more vasodilating messengers
A contribution to vascular health
Lasting effect of EECP therapy on vascular function.
After the course no further treatment is needed. What the vessel lining has learned stays with it for the time being: in the Mayo Clinic study, the better vascular function was still measurable one month after the course. How long it lasts for you also depends on exercise and your values.
What EECP does not do for the vessels.
EECP Cardio Pulse does not make calcified vessels soft again. It does not replace treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes or high blood lipids. It trains the function of the vessel lining, not the structure of the vessel wall. Together with exercise and well-controlled values, that can be an effective contribution to vascular health.
Using everything, leaving nothing out.
Our philosophy: use every option in cardiology – including the body's own natural powers. EECP Cardio Pulse sets targeted flow stimuli and supports the vascular system's capacity to adapt. Entirely without a procedure, complementing conventional cardiology. As much as necessary, as gentle as possible.
Your path with EECP Cardio Pulse.
- 01
Cardio Check-Up
cardiac diagnostics.
- 02
First session
One hour lying down.
- 03
Series
35 sessions, one hour each.
- 04
Final check-up
The check-up.
View related research
In a Mayo Clinic study of 23 patients with refractory angina, a 35-hour EECP course measurably improved endothelial function, still present one month after completion. Confirmed by a randomised, sham-controlled trial (Braith 2010) and a meta-analysis of 19 randomised trials (Yin 2023).
Bonetti PO, Barsness GW, Keelan PC, et al. Enhanced external counterpulsation improves endothelial function in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003;41(10):1761–1768. PMID 12767662
Questions about EECP and vascular function.
What is the endothelium?
The inner layer of the vessels, a single layer of cells. It determines how well vessels widen and adapt blood flow to demand, and it protects the vessel wall against deposits. Its function is considered an early marker of vascular health.
How does EECP act on the inner vessel wall?
The rhythmic pressure increases the shear stress on the vessel lining. As a result, the endothelium produces more vessel-widening messenger substances, above all nitric oxide. The same mechanism is what makes endurance training valuable for the vessels.
Can vascular function be measured?
In studies, this is assessed by measuring the dilation of the arm artery, known as flow-mediated dilation. In a meta-analysis of 19 randomised studies, this value improved by an average of almost two percentage points after a course of EECP.
Stiff vessels: is that not simply age?
Vessels lose elasticity over the years, and that is normal. How quickly depends largely on blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking, exercise and genetic predisposition. The function of the vessel lining is the part that can be influenced, at any age.
Does EECP lower blood pressure?
During treatment, the resistance in the circulation decreases. In studies, a slight decrease in blood pressure was observed over the course of treatment. However, EECP is not a treatment for high blood pressure. Your blood pressure medication stays in place. Uncontrolled high blood pressure must be brought under control before starting.
General information, not a promise of cure. Whether EECP is suitable for you is something we clarify after a cardiac examination.
Just give us a call.
We answer your questions and arrange an appointment together.
Private service under the GOÄ fee schedule: about 100 euros per session.