|
Q: |
What are the advantages of EECP®
therapy? |
| A: |
EECP® therapy is not invasive, does not require a hospital stay,
has no recovery period, and allows you to return to your routine
each day after receiving treatment. |
|
Q: |
What are the benefits of EECP®
therapy? |
| A: |
Most patients experience positive results, such as the
following:
 | Having no angina or angina that is less frequent and less
intense. |
|
| Having more energy |
|
| Being able to take part in more activities of daily living
with little or no angina or heart failure symptoms |
|
| Enjoying a better quality of life |
|
| Having more positive outlook |
|
|
Q: |
Is EECP® treatment
comfortable? |
| A: |
There is a feeling of pressure from the cuffs around the legs
and buttocks. Once you become accustomed to this pressure, the
sessions usually pass comfortably. |
|
Q: |
How will I feel after the
treatment? |
| A: |
EECP®
therapy is often described as being like "passive exercise," so
you may feel tired after the first few days of treatment. This
is normal, especially if you haven’t been exercising. Usually
once this short "training period" is over, you will begin to
notice that you have more energy. |
|
Q: |
How long do the benefits of
EECP® therapy last after of course of treatment? |
| A: |
the
International EECP® Patient Registry (IEPR) collects data on the
safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits of EECP® therapy.
The IEPR data have shown that benefits of EECP® therapy can last
up to three years after completing the first course (35 hours)
of treatment. Other smaller studies have shown the benefits last
up to five years in some patients. |
|
Q: |
When can I expect to
feel improvement? |
| A:
|
Each patient responds differently. Most patients report
beginning to feel better about halfway through the seven weeks. |
|
Q: |
Can I have therapy more than
once? |
| A: |
YES. If you symptoms return, your doctor will decide if you need
to repeat your EECP® treatments. |
|
Q: |
What if I miss an
appointment? |
| A:
|
Having your EECP® therapy each day of the seven-week treatment
course is an important part of receiving the greatest benefit.
Missed treatments are usually made up so you receive all 35
hours. |
|
Q: |
Can I exercise during the
weeks I’m receiving EECP® therapy? |
| A: |
Your doctor will discuss an exercise program, how and when you
should begin, and how much you should do. Exercising can help
you keep the benefits of your EECP® treatments. |
|
Q: |
When can I resume
sexual activity? |
| A:
|
Like exercise, this is an important issue to discuss with your
doctor. |
|
Q: |
Can everyone have EECP®
therapy? |
| A: |
Your doctor knows your medical history
and condition and
will determine if you can have EECP®
therapy. |
|
Q: |
What are the risks of EECP®
therapy? |
| A: |
Occasionally,
patients develop mild skin irritation in the areas under the
treatment cuffs or experience muscle or joint discomfort. Some
patients feel tired after the first few treatments but this
usually ends after the first week. Rarely, patients develop
shortness of breath requiring hospitalization and treatment.
Your EECP® therapist is trained to make your treatments safe and
to minimize risk. |
|
Q: |
Does insurance cover
EECP® therapy? |
| A:
|
Yes. Medicare covers EECP® treatments for the patients who meet
the Medicare criteria. Most private insurance companies have
coverage policies similar to Medicare. |
| |
|
