Contact Information: Upland Hills Health Community Relations
(608) 930-7112 (days)/ 930-2622 (nights)

DODGEVILLE (March 8, 2005) -- For patients with disabling angina or chest pain,  Upland Hills Health is one of a handful of Wisconsin hospitals which has purchased new technology that can mean less discomfort and significantly more hope for heart patients wanting to return to an active and more normal lifestyle.

EECP, short for Enhanced External Counter Pulsation, involves the inflation and deflation of compression cuffs, similar to large blood-pressure cuffs, wrapped around a patient’s calves, lower thighs and upper thighs.  The compressions are synchronized via computer to match the heart’s beat and give maximize benefits to the heart.  The cuffs inflate progressively and squeeze blood from the foot to the hip area, upward toward the heart.

One-hour treatments are repeated five times a week for seven weeks, 35 sessions total, resulting in more blood flow to the heart, less workload on the heart and more importantly --  stimulation of new coronary artery growth.

Mark Bishop, M.D.,  a family practice physician with the Mineral Point and Dodgeville Medical Centers, helped research the apparatus and recommended its implementation here.  Dr. Bishop is the medical director for Upland Hills Cardio-Pulmonary Services Department, and he serves on the active medical staff at Upland Hills.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA)  has approved the use of EECP for these purposes, but currently Medicare, most insurance companies and other third-party payers have limited the coverage.   Dr. Bishop anticipates this will eventually change.

Dr. Bishop points to research recently conducted at major medical centers across the nation, the “PEECH Trials,” which show the EECP treatments can be indicated for not only angina sufferers, but also those with other disabling heart problems, such as congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock (damage to the heart) or acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). 

There have been numerous medical studies since two researchers at Harvard University in 1950 first explored this treatment.  Over the years,  the positive impact from these compression treatments has been documented “inside and out” in the US, China and other countries,  according to Bishop. 

“In essence, the treatment helps patients feel better, and it stimulates the body to enhance its own heart arteries,” Bishop said.  He explains how studies have shown the treatments can perpetuate the growth of “endothelial cells” which make up the inside of blood vessels. 

“Chemicals that induce formation of new blood vessels are elevated after the treatment,” Bishop adds.  Additionally, studies have found a marked increase of nitric oxide levels within the heart to improve dilation or widening of the arteries.  These improvements are far better than what is typical of medication treatment, alone, he adds.

At Upland Hills, four cardio-pulmonary therapists and nurses are being trained to administer the technology.  Staff have traveled to Wausau to observe the EECP clinics and learn from others performing the treatments.  Additionally, they have attended classes offered by the manufacturer.  In February two patients, both Dodgeville residents,  began treatments here.

Area family practice and cardiology physicians see a growing need for EECP here.  Baby boomers are aging, and there will be more of a demand for EECP.  It’s a far less invasive way to augment heart treatments for patients with congestive heart failure and other heart problems, according to Bishop.

Heart disease is a leading cause of hospitalization in Wisconsin.   At Upland Hills Health in the 12 months prior to June 2004,  106 patients were treated here as inpatients for cardiac conditions.  According to the American Heart Association 39.8 percent of all deaths in 2002 in Iowa County were due to cardiovascular diseases.

Upland Hills Health is one of five health providers in Wisconsin currently embracing the new technology.  Others now offering EECP include Dean Health Systems and  Meriter Hospital in Madison, Aspirus in Wausau, and a Sheboygan hospital.  Upland Hills Health serves patients from throughout southwest Wisconsin.

EECP complements other heart services offered at Upland Hills Health, including cardiology physician clinics, cardiac rehabilitation, nutrition counseling, emergency and intensive care services.

If you or a loved one might benefit from the EECP treatments, talk with your primary doctor or your consulting cardiologist.

Trying out the new EECP equipment and wrapped with leg compression cuffs is Marianne Crowley, RN, Exercise Specialist and Cardiac Rehab Co-manager.  Looking on (standing, from left) are Cindy Watts, RN,  Vasomedical Consultant who trained Upland Hills staff; Becky Tank, RN, Exercise Specialist and Cardiac Rehab Co-manager; Marla Mitchell, Respiratory Therapist; and Mark Bishop, M.D., Family Practice Physician with the Dodgeville and Mineral Point Medical Centers.