Effectiveness of Enhanced External Counterpulsation for Post-acute Stroke Patients

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive treatment primarily used for patients with angina or heart failure. It involves the application of pressure cuffs to the legs, which inflate and deflate in sync with the cardiac cycle. This enhances blood flow to the heart during diastole, the phase when the heart is resting between beats. The increased pressure promotes coronary artery perfusion, helping to improve oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, reduce angina symptoms, and enhance cardiovascular function. EECP is typically recommended for patients who are not good candidates for invasive procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery, or for those seeking supplementary treatment for angina. Over time, it may promote the development of new blood vessels (collateral circulation), further improving heart health. The treatment is generally administered over several weeks in outpatient settings, with each session lasting around one hour.

Post-Acute Care (PAC) for stroke patients focuses on improving functional independence, reducing disability, and preventing secondary complications.