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ABOUT ECP
Who is Candidate of ECP
Many patients have questions about whether
or not they are candidates for ECP. Since
it is a non-invasive and completely safe
therapy, the good news is that everyone
is a candidate for ECP.
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ECP is especially appropriate
for nearly all those who suffer
from heart disease.
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This includes individuals who
have irregular heartbeats or pacemakers,
patients who have recently undergone
invasive cardiac procedures, individuals
with blood clots in their legs,
people who take Coumadin, and
those who suffer from peripheral
vascular disease.
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There is no risk that ECP can
cause a defibrillator or a pacemaker
to malfunction, or that this treatment
will cause any irregularities
in heart rhythm.
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Patients who have received recent
angioplasty, surgery for stent
placement, or cardiac catheterization
can receive ECP without risk and
can start treatments as early
as one week following these procedures,
when groin tenderness has subsided.
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Those suffering from poor leg
circulation from peripheral vascular
disease will also do well with
ECP, although it may take a longer
time period for them to see results,
because of a smaller volume of
blood in the lower extremities
to pump back toward the heart.
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In addition to helping patients
with heart disease, ECP is ideal
for people who wish to improve
their level of cardiovascular
health and fitness.
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Are There Risks To Receiving ECP?
While there are no dangers or risks involved
in receiving ECP, there are certain conditions
that require caution when considering this
therapy:
1. Severe aortic insufficiency
2. An abdominal aortic aneurysm greater
than 5 cm in diameter
3. Malignant Hypertension
4. Deep vein thrombosis
5. Hemophilia
6. Pregnancy
7. Fever
8. An open leg wound
9. Superficial phlebitis
The majority of these conditions are either
temporary or treatable, and ECP can be initiated
once they have resolved or been treated.
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