External Counterpulsation Research
What is the Evidence for ECP?
More than 250 clinical papers have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals demonstrating that External Counterpulsation (ECP) and External Enhanced Counterpulsation (EECP®) have been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of angina pectoris, congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. There is a wealth of both physiological data and clinical outcome data that supports that ECP therapy is beneficial.
The benefits of ECP are now also being explored outside of Cardiac populations including in Sports and Health and wellbeing.
ECP increases Nitric Oxide
By compressing the lower limb sequentially, ECP increases blood flow passively. This has been shown to cause a progressive increase in nitric oxide (NO) levels. NO is the most potent vasodilator, relaxing blood vessel and improving blood flow throughout the body.
This is thought to explain why ECP decreases symptoms like chest pain and also increases individuals’ ability to exercise.
ECP therapy reduces symptoms
By compressing the lower limb sequentially, ECP increases blood flow passively. This has been shown to cause a progressive increase in nitric oxide (NO) levels. NO is the most potent vasodilator, relaxing blood vessel and improving blood flow throughout the body.
This is thought to explain why ECP decreases symptoms like chest pain and also increases individuals’ ability to exercise.
ECP therapy reduces episodes of chest pain and hospitalisation
A large American study demonstrated significant reductions in visits to the emergency room and patients being admitted to the the hospital with chest pain after receiving ECP therapy.
ECP therapy has long term effects on symptoms
Another study examined the long term impact on symptoms after a single course of ECP. The study found that the symptom improvement was still maintained at three years following treatment
ECP therapy Reduces Inflammation and Stress
ECP can reduce the levels of several markers of inflammation in the blood. Studies have also found increased levels of angiogenesis (where new blood vessels are formed) markers in the blood. These findings suggest potential benefits in terms of both acute sports recovery and longer-term protective benefits to overall health.
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