Enhanced external counterpulsation for treatment patients with ischemic heart disease

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to assess an effectiveness and safety of Enhanced External Counterpulsation
(EECP) method in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients’ treatment. Methods: 42 CAD patients were included: 38
men and 4 women. All of them had stable angina pectoris I-IV class (Canadian Cardiovascular Society): I class – 9
patients, II class – 15 patients, III class – 14 patients, IV class – 4 patients. EECP treatment was performed according
to standard protocol using cardiotherapeutic complex ЕЕСР ® Therapy System Model TS3. Before and after the whole course of EECP treatment physical examination, echocardiography, veloergometry and single-photon emission
computed tomography (SPECT) using 99m Tc-methyl-iodine-benzyl-guanydin were performed. The dynamics of
angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), serum
levels were also measured. Results: After 35 hours course of EECP procedures angina pectoris episodes decreased in
all patients. There was significant increase in exercise test tolerance. When compare the data of SPECT at rest before
and after EECP treatment a significant reduction of perfusion defects depth (p<0,01) was found. There were also a
significant increase of VEGF and decrease of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels without any significant changes
of TGF-β1 and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Conclusion: The EECP method can be used for CAD patients’
treatment. The EECP has a positive influence on left ventricular myocardial perfusion