Enhanced External Counterpulsation Effects on Venous Leg Symptoms

Venous diseases encompass a large spectrum of abnormalities in the venous system with complaints, such as aching and swelling. Enhanced external counterpulsa-tion, proven safe and effective in patients with coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure, is a technique that increases venous return and augments diastolic blood pres-sure. This study assessed the effects of enhanced external counterpulsation on symp-toms of venous disease using the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life/Symptoms questionnaire.

This study was designed prospectively for evaluating venous symptoms before and after enhanced external counterpulsation treatment. The study population con-sisted of 30 consecutive patients who were admitted to the cardiology clinic. The Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life/Symptoms ques-tionnaire was applied to assess venous symptoms one day before and after enhanced external counterpulsation treatment.

The mean age of the patients was 64.62 ± 9.67 years. After 35 hours of enhanced external counterpulsation, 28 patients (93%) had at least 1 New York Heart Association functional class reduction compared with baseline and 43% of patients had 2 New York Heart Association functional classes improvement. The New York Heart Association class significantly decreased after enhanced external counterpulsation treatment (P<.001). There was a significant improvement in their swelling and night cramps symptoms compared with baseline (P< .001 and P = .05, respectively). Also, The left ventricular ejec-tion fraction significantly increased after the enhanced external counterpulsation treat- ment (P = .02).

The findings obtained in the present study suggested that patients treated with enhanced external counterpulsation showed a significant reduction in swelling and night cramps symptoms. Although the total VEIN score did not change after the enhanced external counterpulsation procedure, improvement in swelling and night cramps under-lines the beneficial effects of enhanced external counterpulsation through the venousvascular territory.