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DRHC Offers Life Changing Treatment for Angina and Heart Failure
Deer River HealthCare Center is now offering a noninvasive treatment for patients suffering from congestive heart failure and angina. The treatment, called Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP), has been known to reduce chest pain and decrease symptoms of congestive heart failure in over 80% of patients who receive the treatment.
EECP is a therapy typically given in 35 one-hour sessions, five days a week for seven weeks. Patients receiving the treatment lie comfortably on a padded table with their calves and thighs wrapped in blood pressure-like cuffs. The cuffs, which are synchronized to the patient's heart beat, squeeze blood from the legs back into the heart muscle while decreasing the heart's workload. This gives the heart muscle a greater supply of oxygen. According to EECP reports from Vasomedical, Inc., patients receiving the treatment are receiving "passive exercise" during the therapy, which strengthens and conditions the heart muscle. Because it is noninvasive, there are no needles or catheters. Very few risks have been identified with the treatment.
The results can be life-changing. Lois Patton, wife and mother of three daughters, has been suffering from residual heart damage and chest pain because of a condition called cardiomyopathy with syndrome X. She has been basically bedridden for years, relying on wheelchairs and oxygen to perform daily functions. Since receiving EECP therapy, she is able to stand up and walk. "The longer you're in bed, the more de-conditioned your heart becomes, creating a vicious cycle," said Patton. "Now I can sit up and even move around, which is so much better for me and my heart."
"Our cardiologists and physicians are ecstatic to be offering this treatment in addition to our comprehensive cardiac services," explained Patient Care Director, Angela Olson. "Patients who are candidates for this treatment are simply too ill to travel. Since we're the only hospital in the region to offer EECP, we know we're providing another critical service for this area that keeps patients coming to DRHC."
To become eligible for the treatment, patients must complete a careful screening process to rule out any risk factors. The screening process is also noninvasive. Olson encourages patients to contact their doctor or DRHC to see if they are candidates to receive EECP.
According to Olson, EECP is becoming the regimen of choice for those who suffer from cardiac pain and congestive heart failure. "Pain medications and other heart medications can only help to a point, and sometimes, risk factors are too great for a patient to receive invasive treatments. EECP is a great alternative to conventional therapy and a real source of hope for those who are cardiac crippled and cannot exercise."
Lois Patton doesn't need to be convinced. After only a few weeks, she's already benefiting from her EECP treatments. "I went from merely existing to having a life. It's like a miracle for me and my family."
To learn more about EECP, visit www.vasomedical.com and ask your doctor for a referral to Deer River HealthCare Center's cardiac program
ABOUT DEER RIVER HEALTHCARE CENTER
Deer River HealthCare Center, Inc. (DRHC) is a non-profit community owned and operated comprehensive health care campus. Located in Deer River, Minnesota, with a service area consisting of a 50-mile radius, the staff of over 200 health care workers offers area residents a wide range of high-quality health care services - in one convenient location. Deer River HealthCare Center is committed to providing quality, compassionate health care for life.
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