Angina pectoris literally means, 'strangling in the chest'. It is the most common symptoms of coronary artery disease. The majority of patients with Angina complain of chest discomfort provoked by mental, physical or emotional stress. The discomfort can vary widely among patients who report shortness of breath, fatigue, indigestion, faintness, pain in the chest, arm, neck, or jaw and other symptoms. 

Angina signals that a part of the heart muscle is not receiving an adequate supply of blood and oxygen. The heart requires a particularly rich blood supply because of its heavy workload, and receives this nourishing blood supply through the coronary arteries. When narrowed or blocked arteries restrict blood flow, oxygen supply to portions of the heart may at times be insufficient. Increase in oxygen demand can occur during exercise, fever, rise in emotion, periods of hypoglycemia, or after meals, triggering the onset of Angina. 

Angina often occurs when exertion outstrips the ability of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to supply blood to the heart muscle. Angina restricts activity for many patients. They are able to walk, but not uphill nor while carrying packages. For some, Angina is disabling as it interferes with their ability to work or engage in almost any activity. 

ECP  is a non-invasive outpatient therapy that may relieve or eliminate Angina. 

The term External Counter Pulsation (ECP) describes what happens during treatment. ECP treatment is 'external' because it happens outside of the body and doesn't require surgery or other invasive procedures.. Counter pulsation occurs between heartbeats. ECP system pumps when the heart is resting (the beginning of diastole) and relieves pressure just before the heart beats (the end of diastole). Counter pulsation increased blood flow to the heart muscle, decreased the heart's workload and creates greater oxygen supply while lowering oxygen demand. 

EECP stands for Enhanced External Counter Pulsation it is the registered trademark of    Vasomedical inc. USA., otherwise the treatment as such is called as ECP. Hence EECP treatment and ECP treatment have no difference

Unlike procedures such as bypass surgery and balloon Angioplasty, ECP treatment can be administered in outpatient sessions, carries little or no risk, and is relatively comfortable. Some patients may require bypass surgery, External Counter Pulsation is an option for patients who are unsuitable for invasive procedures or unwilling to undergo them. For patients who have undergone multiple invasive procedures and for whom additional surgery carries excessive risk.  External Counter Pulsation may be the only way to obtain relief from crippling Angina. 

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