Chest Pain Treatment
Find relief from chest pain (angina) thanks to treatments from the heart doctors at Adventist HealthCare.
What’s Angina?
Angina is discomfort that happens because of too little blood flow to the heart. It may feel like pressure, tightness or squeezing, and it may happen in the chest, shoulders, arms, neck, back or jaw. Sometimes, angina is a symptom of heart disease.
Causes of Chest Pain
If you have chest pain that’s new or severe, call 911 and get emergency care right away, because it could be a heart attack. But sometimes, chest pain happens because of heartburn, anxiety, sore muscles and other non-heart related causes.
Treatment Options
If you have chest pain that happens often, your doctor may recommend:
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Medications such as nitroglycerin
- Surgery
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)
If medication or surgery doesn’t help, you may benefit from an innovative, nonsurgical option called enhanced external counterpulsation, or EECP. EECP can help reduce angina, shortness of breath and tiredness so you have more energy and better enjoyment of daily life. After EECP, you may need less medication.
What to Expect
During treatment, you’ll rest with inflatable cuffs on your legs. Using special timing, the cuffs will inflate (pump up) and deflate with your heartbeat to improve blood flow (circulation) to your heart. You’ll go home afterwards – you won’t need to stay overnight, and you’ll be able to do your typical daily activities before and after treatment.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Your EECP treatment plan will include 35 one-hour sessions held Mondays through Friday for seven weeks. Your treatment plan may also include cardiac rehabilitation.
Most people see more energy after two to four weeks of therapy and are able to start a healthy exercise plan. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for living a heart healthy lifestyle and following an exercise plan that’s right for you.
Is EECP Right for Me?
You’ll need a doctor’s referral after a physical exam to get EECP. The procedure may help if you have chest pain and:
- Heart medication like nitroglycerin no longer relieves symptoms
- Surgery or other procedures aren’t right for you
EECP may not be right for you if you have blood clots or other vascular conditions.
Paying for EECP
Most insurance plans and Medicare cover the cost of EECP treatments. Rely on the staff at Adventist HealthCare to help you find out whether your insurance provider covers your care.
EECP Facility Near You
Feel peace of mind knowing your care is in the hands of experts. Adventist HealthCare offers the only hospital-based EECP program in Montgomery County at the Center for Fitness & Health at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center.
