Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)

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Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)

A "Natural Bypass" Treatment

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a nonsurgical treatment for angina (chronic chest pain) and other conditions involving poor circulation. EECP is often referred to as a "natural bypass" because it stimulates the formation of small blood vessels to create natural bypasses around narrowed and blocked arteries.

If you have been diagnosed with angina and no longer respond to medical therapy, need to restrict your physical activity to avoid angina, are unwilling or unable to undergo angioplasty or bypass surgery, have other risk factors such as diabetes, heart failure, pulmonary disease, renal dysfunction, are considered too high risk for angioplasty or bypass surgery, then EECP may be an alternative treatment for you. Please ask your doctor if EECP would be appropriate for you; a physician referral is required.

Lowell General Hospital is the only cardiac center in the Merrimack Valley region that offers EECP. Since patients undergoing EECP treatment receive daily treatment sessions, being close to home is more convenient. We are proud to provide this non-surgical alternative for our community and those who come to Lowell General from outside the area to receive this method of treatment.