Does EECP have side effects?

What do I feel?

A firm, rhythmic pressure on the legs, similar to a strong massage. Many find the hour relaxing.

What side effects are there?

• Skin redness, pressure marks or bruises on the legs
• Sore muscles or muscle and joint discomfort in legs and back
• Tingling or numbness in the legs during the session
• Temporary tiredness after the session
• Rarely: swelling of the legs

These are the complaints reported in studies and registries. They are mild, almost always affect the legs and subside on their own. We adjust pressure and padding if something pinches.

When are we cautious?

With every beat, EECP pushes blood from the legs back to the heart. A weak, acutely decompensated heart copes poorly with this extra filling; heart failure can then worsen. That is why acutely decompensated heart failure, severe leakage of the aortic valve, aneurysm of the aorta, recent thrombosis, pronounced bleeding tendency and uncontrolled high blood pressure are reasons not to treat. With pronounced leg swelling, varicose veins or sensitive skin we check particularly carefully beforehand.

How safe is EECP?

In the sham-controlled MUST-EECP trial, treatment was free of limiting side effects in most patients, in the words of the study. The International EECP Patient Registry of 978 patients, mostly seriously ill and 69 percent unsuitable for stent or bypass, rated EECP as safe; 86 percent completed the full course.

Is EECP a wellness treatment?

EECP is gentle, but it is a medical treatment. With every heartbeat, blood is returned to the heart under pressure. A heart must be able to tolerate that well. That is why every course of treatment is preceded by the Cardio Check-Up with a cardiac diagnostics.

How do we help you?

In the Cardio Check-Up we review your findings and rule out the reasons that argue against EECP. During the course of treatment we remain available for you.

Sources

Arora RR et al. The multicenter study of enhanced external counterpulsation (MUST-EECP). J Am Coll Cardiol. 1999;33(7):1833–1840. PMID 10362181

Barsness G et al. The International EECP Patient Registry (IEPR): design, methods, baseline characteristics, and acute results. Clin Cardiol. 2001;24(6):435–442. PMID 11403504

Food and Drug Administration (FDA). EECP product information, 2002.