There was an interesting article that was recently published in Today’s Medical Developments by Larry Leibman of Vasomedical.
The article was an interesting perspective discussing the barriers of treatment and management of the worldwide epidemic of Ischemic Heart Disease. Heart disease remains the number one killer and the U.S & worldwide. The objective in the article was to introduce External Counterpulsation Therapy (EECP) and how this treatment can be an effective solution if used earlier in the development stages (or onset) of Ischemic Coronary Artery Disease.
This article appears to be particularly relevant as management of all disease (including heart disease) is now shifting towards prevention and cost reduction with our new Healthcare system. EECP represents an great topic of discussion as ‘cost savings’ is now on the forefront of all circles of healthcare.
The Benefits of External Counterpulsation Therapy are well documented in the treatment for heart disease. EECP is a non-invasive treatment solution that employs a series of inflatable cuffs to assist the heart during treatment. The cuffs are inflated in a mechanical sequence squeezing blood back to the heart during the resting phase of the heart cycle. This mechanical process is a natural treatment method to rehabilitate not only narrowed & blocked arteries of the heart, but also for many other circulatory disorders in the body. This treatment is much like an exercise program that is mechanically delivers more oxygenated blood with a much greater force than any level of tolerated physical exercise among the elderly population. The result is a significant increase in exercise tolerance, and an improvement in function all of the organs of the body such as the brain, kidneys, lungs and the extremities.
External Counterpulsation Therapy should be strongly considered in earlier stages of heart disease as this treatment can prevent the progression & advancement of ischemic disease if used on a routine basis. It is no surprise that our healthcare costs are so high when there is very little investment is made for prevention of such an epidemic such as heart disease. EECP Therapy represents a wonderful opportunity for a growing population to slow progression of heart disease, sustain optimal wellness, while simultaneously lowering healthcare costs associated with invasive cardiac procedures.
To read the full article, please visit http://www.onlinetmd.com/tmd0513-external-counterpulsation-therapy.aspx
