OBJECTIVES We examined whether enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) improves myocardial ischemia, exercise tolerance and cardiac function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND Enhanced external counterpulsation reduces angina and improves exercise tolerance in patients with CAD. Some objective improvements of ischemia by EECP have been reported, but they should be co...

An ethanol extract of Chinese propolis (EECP) was given intraperitoneally to rats suffering from hemitransection of half of their spinal cord (left side) at the level of the 10th thoracic vertebra to examine the effects of the EECP on the functional recovery of locomotor activity and expression of mRNAs of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) and neurotrophic factors in the injury site. ...

BACKGROUND Patients with diabetes are at greater risk for coronary events, yet they are less likely to benefit from revascularization than those without diabetes. Enhanced external counterpulsation has recently emerged as a treatment option for select patients with chronic stable angina. METHODS We examined baseline characteristics, angina response, and cardiac outcomes of patients with diabe...

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is an effective noninvasive treatment of coronary artery disease. Its mechanism of action remains unknown. An acute coronary occlusion dog model was created to explore the angiogenic effect of EECP. After coronary occlusion, 12 dogs were randomly assigned to either EECP (n = 6) or control (n = 6). Immunohistochemical studies of alpha-actin and von Wille...

BACKGROUND Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a novel, potentially beneficial adjunct therapy used for angina pectoris. We assessed the efficacy of this method in relieving angina and improving objective measures of myocardial ischaemia. METHODS All patients (67) who referred for EECP to Shahid Chamran Hospital, Isfahan, Iran from 2002 to 2005 were included. Demographic data, corona...

BACKGROUND The adverse effects of tobacco abuse on cardiovascular outcomes are well-known. However, the impact of passive smoke exposure on angina status and therapeutic response is less well-established. We examined the impact of second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure on symptomatic improvement in patients with chronic ischemic coronary disease undergoing enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP). ...

Patients with refractory angina and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction exert an enormous burden on health care resources primarily because of the number of recurrent emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy has emerged as a treatment option for patients with angina and LV dysfunction and has been shown to improve clinical outcomes a...

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive technique that has shown promise in the treatment of ischemic coronary artery disease. Patients undergoing EECP were tested for alterations in psychosocial state associated with treatment. Overall perception of health and quality of life improved with EECP. There was also significant improvement in levels of depression, anxiety, and som...

BACKGROUND Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive method previously shown to improve measures of myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the concomitant effects of EECP on large and small arterial properties have been poorly examined. In a randomized controlled study, we investigated whether arterial stiffness and resistance of the carotid circ...

background: enhanced external counterpulsation (eecp) is a noninvasive technique used for patients with refractory angina pectoris. there are controversial data on the effectiveness of eecp in improving patients with refractory stable angina. the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of eecp for the treatment of patients with refractory angina pectoris. methods: ...