A Randomized Controlled Study of Enhanced External Counterpulsation with Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Rehabilitation Therapy

Background:

• Coronary microcirculation disorders (CMD) affect patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD).
• Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are established treatments for coronary heart disease.
• The combined efficacy of EECP and CR in NOCAD patients with CMD is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of combining EECP with CR in patients diagnosed with NOCAD and CMD.
• To compare the therapeutic outcomes of combined EECP and CR versus conventional treatment with CR alone.

Main Methods:

• Eighty patients with NOCAD and CMD (myocardial perfusion reserve < 2.0) were enrolled between January 2021 and June 2022.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: a usual treatment group (conventional drugs and CR) and an EECP treatment group (standard treatment plus EECP).
• Outcomes including cardiac function indices, endothelial function markers, and adverse cardiovascular events were compared pre- and post-treatment.

Main Results:

• The EECP combined with CR group demonstrated a significantly higher effective rate compared to the usual treatment group (P < 0.05).
• Key indicators such as left ventricular ejection fraction, plasma nitric oxide (NO), and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were significantly improved in the EECP group.
• The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events was significantly lower in the EECP treatment group.

Conclusions:

• Combined EECP and CR therapy offers superior efficacy and safety for patients suffering from CMD symptoms.
• This combined approach provides a valuable therapeutic reference for managing patients with coronary microcirculation disorders.