Angina & EECP
EECP for Angina in Utah
Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. EECP is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive therapy studied for chronic refractory angina, and Medicare may cover it for qualifying patients who are not good candidates for angioplasty or bypass surgery. Request a free consultation to discuss your situation.
- FDA-Cleared
- Non-Invasive
- Medicare Reviewed
- Utah's Only EECP Clinic
Overview
Angina and EECP: What You Should Know
EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) uses soft cuffs wrapped around the calves, thighs and hips. The cuffs inflate and deflate in rhythm with your heartbeat, a motion designed to support blood flow to the heart without surgery, needles or downtime.
EECP has one of the stronger research foundations among non-invasive heart therapies, and it is the subject of an official Medicare coverage decision. This page explains what angina is, how EECP may help and who may qualify for coverage.
What Is Angina?
Angina is chest discomfort that happens when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. It is often described as pressure, squeezing or heaviness in the chest, and it can also appear in the shoulders, arms, neck or jaw. Angina is a symptom, not a disease on its own: it usually signals coronary artery disease.
When angina continues despite medications and lifestyle changes, it is called refractory or chronic stable angina. Severity is commonly graded with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) classification, where Class III means marked limitation of ordinary activity and Class IV means angina at rest or with minimal activity. Those classes matter for Medicare coverage.
How EECP May Help With Angina
During an EECP session, the cuffs inflate during the resting phase of your heartbeat and release just before your heart contracts. That coordinated push increases blood returning to the heart and creates a brief increase in blood flow, a process known as diastolic augmentation. Over a course of sessions, this repeated support is designed to encourage the body's natural vascular response.
The landmark MUST-EECP trial, a randomized sham-controlled study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 1999, found significant reductions in anginal episodes and nitroglycerin use, plus improved exercise tolerance. The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guidelines state that enhanced external counterpulsation may be considered for the relief of refractory angina in patients with stable ischemic heart disease.
Medicare Coverage for EECP in Angina
Medicare's National Coverage Determination 20.20 addresses external counterpulsation. Per CMS, Medicare covers EECP for disabling chronic stable angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society Class III or IV) when a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon determines the patient is not a good candidate for angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Medicare does not cover EECP for other conditions under this determination. Coverage also depends on your specific plan and documentation, so patients should call the clinic to verify their coverage before starting. We never promise coverage or outcomes.
What to Expect
A common course of EECP is about 35 one-hour sessions spread over several weeks. You relax fully clothed on a treatment bed while the cuffs do their work, and most patients read, rest or listen to music. There is no recovery time, and you can return to your day immediately.
Every course starts with an evaluation and a conversation with your healthcare team. EECP is not right for everyone, so the correct first step is a professional assessment plus a discussion with your cardiologist.
Explore Related Topics
What Is EECP?
The therapy itself, explained in plain language.
Learn moreInsurance & Medicare
Coverage criteria under CMS NCD 20.20 and how to verify.
Learn moreCoronary Artery Disease
The underlying condition behind most angina.
Learn moreEECP Research
MUST-EECP and the evidence in angina.
Learn moreQuestions
Angina FAQs
Straight answers to the questions patients ask us most. Something else on your mind? Give us a call or request a free consultation.
View All EECP FAQs Is EECP covered by Medicare for angina?
Under CMS National Coverage Determination 20.20, Medicare covers EECP for disabling chronic stable angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society Class III or IV) when a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon finds you are not a good candidate for angioplasty or bypass surgery. Medicare does not cover other conditions, and coverage depends on your plan, so call the clinic to verify your specific situation.
How many EECP sessions are typical?
A common course is about 35 one-hour sessions spread over several weeks. The exact plan depends on your situation and is decided with your provider after an evaluation.
Is EECP non-invasive?
Yes. EECP involves no surgery, no needles and no incisions. You relax on a treatment bed while soft cuffs around your lower body inflate and deflate in rhythm with your heartbeat.
Does EECP replace stents or bypass surgery?
No. EECP is a different tool with a different role. Medicare covers it specifically for patients who are not good candidates for angioplasty or bypass. The decision about surgery is one you make with your cardiologist; EECP does not substitute for it.
What are the side effects of EECP?
Most people tolerate EECP well. Reported effects are generally mild and may include leg discomfort or skin irritation where the cuffs sit. EECP is not appropriate for everyone, which is why an evaluation and medical clearance come first.
Where can I get EECP therapy in Utah?
Thrive EECP at 1111 E Draper Pkwy in Draper is Utah's only EECP clinic, and we serve patients from across the state, including Salt Lake City, Provo and Orem, Ogden and St. George.
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Have Questions About EECP?
Book a free consultation to talk with our team, review the research together and find out whether EECP may be worth discussing with your doctor.
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A Convenient Draper Location
Thrive EECP
1111 E Draper Pkwy
Draper, UT 84020
By appointment. Call ahead and we will find a time that works for you.
Easily reached from Sandy, South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman, Cottonwood Heights, Midvale, Murray, Lehi, Alpine, Highland and American Fork, along with other South Salt Lake Valley and northern Utah County communities.
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385-330-0358
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Thrive EECP
1111 E Draper Pkwy
Draper, UT 84020