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What is Angina? |
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Angina pectoris literally means, 'strangling in the chest'. It is the most common symptoms of coronary artery disease. The majority of patients with Angina complain of chest discomfort provoked by mental, physical or emotional stress. The discomfort can vary widely among patients who report shortness of breath, fatigue, indigestion, faintness, pain in the chest, arm, neck, or jaw and other symptoms.
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What causes Angina |
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Angina signals that a part of the heart muscle is not receiving an adequate supply of blood and oxygen. The heart requires a particularly rich blood supply because of its heavy workload, and receives this nourishing blood supply through the coronary arteries. When narrowed or blocked arteries restrict blood flow, oxygen supply to portions of the heart may at times be insufficient. Increase in oxygen demand can occur during exercise, fever, rise in emotion, periods of hypoglycemia, or after meals, triggering the onset of Angina. |
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How does Angina affect people? |
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Angina often occurs when e
xertion outstrips the ability of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to supply blood to the heart muscle. Angina restricts activity for many patients. They are able to walk, but not uphill nor while carrying packages. For some, Angina is disabling as it interferes with their ability to work or engage in almost any activity. |
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What is ECP treatment? |
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ECP treatment is a non-invasive outpatient treatment that may relieve or eliminate Angina. |
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What is EECP how is it different from ECP? |
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EECP stands for Enhanced External Counter Pulsation it is the registered trademark of Vasomedical inc. USA., otherwise the treatment as such is called as ECP. Hence EECP treatment and ECP treatment have no difference. |
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What does the name External Counter Pulsation (ECP) mean? |
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The term External Counter Pulsation (ECP) describes what happens during treatment. ECP treatment is 'external' because it happens outside of the body and doesn't require surgery or other invasive procedures.. Counter pulsation occurs between heartbeats. ECP system pumps when the heart is resting (the beginning of diastole) and relieves pressure just before the heart beats (the end of diastole). Counter pulsation increased blood flow to the heart muscle, decreased the heart's workload and creates greater oxygen supply while lowering oxygen demand. |
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What are the advantages of ECP treatment over other treatments for Angina? |
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Unlike procedures such as bypass surgery and balloon Angioplasty, ECP treatment can be administered in outpatient sessions, carries little or no risk, and is relatively comfortable. Some patients may require bypass surgery, External Counter Pulsation is an option for patients who are unsuitable for invasive procedures or unwilling to undergo them. For patients who have undergone multiple invasive procedures and for whom additional surgery carries excessive risk. External Counter Pulsation may be the only way to obtain relief from crippling Angina. |
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What happens during treatment? |
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Patients lie on a padded table in a treatment room. Three electrodes are applied to the chest to record a constant ECG reading. A finger sensor called a plethysmograph, records a tracing that represents blood pressure. A set of cuff is wrapped around the calves, thighs and buttocks. The system used an ECG signal to electronically synchronize inflation and deflation of the cuffs. Patients experience a sensation of strong 'hug' moving upward from calves to thighs to buttocks during inflation followed by the rapid release of pressure on deflation.During ECP treatment, a display shows an ECG signal and a blood pressure tracing. An ECP therapist uses these readings to time Counterpulsation and monitor treatment. |
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Am I candidate for ECP treatment? |
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Ask your physician to evaluate you. You may be a candidate for ECP if you: |
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Have chronic stable Angina |
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Are not receiving adequate relief from Angina by taking nitrates. |
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Do not qualify as a candidate for invasive procedures |
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Have exhausted invasive treatments without lasting relief of symptoms. |
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Are unwilling to undergo surgery or Angioplasty. |
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Want to explore alternatives to bypass surgery or Angioplasty. |
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