Enhanced external counterpulsation in cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary heart disease: a literature review

Abstract

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive, outpatient, pulsatile-assisted circulation technique that has been used in many diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease (CHD). EECP can improve blood flow dynamics, vascular endothelial function, atherosclerosis outcomes, and other cardiovascular attributes through synchronous cardiac systolic and diastolic movements, thus playing a therapeutic role. EECP has been widely used in the treatment of refractory angina pectoris and plays a significant role in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with CHD. As a passive aerobic exercise, it enables new ways for patients with cardiovascular disease who cannot carry out exercise rehabilitation to perform aerobic exercise. EECP will become increasingly important as the incidence of chronic disease increases and the rehabilitation discipline develops. With increasing attention being focused on EECP, the literature has grown rapidly. To help researchers gain a comprehensive understanding of this area, this review focuses on the progress made in applying EECP to CHD cardiac rehabilitation globally, including a brief history of EECP, the working principle of EECP, etc. This review will help researchers grasp the research outline and gaps in the literature regarding EECP and will provide a reference for them in future studies.