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Complete Guide to Cardio MedBed EECP Therapy: Non-Invasive Heart Health Service in Metairie, LA

Published on
September 21, 2026

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What Is Cardio MedBed EECP Therapy?

Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive service that improves circulation by increasing blood flow to the heart and organs throughout your body.

During service, inflatable cuffs placed on your legs compress and release in perfect sync with your heartbeat, assisting your cardiovascular function in a way that promotes healing and improved circulation.

The result? Better oxygenation, reduced fatigue, and improved heart function: all without surgery or medication.

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How EECP Works: Strength Training for Your Cardiovascular System

Think of EECP as strength training for your cardiovascular system. Here's what happens during service:

Sequential Compression

Cuffs on calves, thighs, and buttocks inflate rhythmically from legs upward, timed precisely with your heartbeat. This sequential compression is controlled by sophisticated monitoring equipment that tracks your heart rhythm in real-time.

Increased Blood Flow

The cuffs compress during your heart's resting phase (diastole), pushing blood from your legs toward your heart and increasing oxygen delivery to cardiac tissue. This enhanced blood flow nourishes the heart muscle when it needs it most.

New Blood Vessel Growth (Angiogenesis)

One of EECP's most remarkable benefits is its ability to stimulate new vessel formation around blocked or narrowed arteries, essentially creating a natural bypass. This process, called angiogenesis, provides alternative pathways for blood flow.

Reduced Cardiac Workload

The cuffs deflate instantly when your heart pumps (systole), reducing resistance and easing circulation. This makes it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout your body, reducing strain on the cardiac muscle.

Improved Overall Circulation

Better heart blood flow means improved circulation throughout your entire body, more oxygen reaches your brain, muscles, and organs, supporting whole-body health and vitality.

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The Science Behind EECP

EECP is an FDA-cleared therapy backed by 20+ years of research and over 100 published studies.

Key Research Findings:
  • 70-80% symptom reduction in angina patients
  • Improved quality of life in heart failure patients
  • Promotes new blood vessel formation (Angiogenesis)
  • Reduced hospitalization rates for heart conditions
  • Increased exercise capacity and endurance
  • Supports heart and lung function

EECP is recognized by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association as an effective service for refractory angina, chest pain that doesn't respond adequately to medication.

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What Cardio MedBed EECP Supports

Cardiovascular Conditions
  • Angina (chest pain)
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart failure
  • Poor circulation
  • High blood pressure
  • Post-heart attack recovery
Chronic Fatigue & Energy Issues
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Post-viral fatigue
  • Low energy and stamina
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Burnout
Circulation-Related Problems
  • Poor peripheral circulation
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Cognitive decline related to poor blood flow
General Wellness & Prevention
  • Cardiovascular health optimization
  • Athletic performance enhancement
  • Healthy aging support
  • Stroke risk reduction

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What to Expect During EECP Service

Initial Assessment

We evaluate your cardiovascular health and service suitability:

  • Medical history review
  • Current medications and conditions
  • Cardiovascular symptoms and goals
  • Heart health assessment

Perfect Day Consultation recommended for complete health evaluation.

The Session

Duration: 60 minutes
Location: Our Metairie center

During service:
  • Lie comfortably on service bed, fully clothed
  • Three cuff sets wrapped around calves, thighs, buttocks
  • Heart monitor tracks heartbeat
  • Cuffs inflate/deflate rhythmically, synchronized with heart
  • Relax, read, listen to music, or rest
  • Resume normal activities immediately after
What It Feels Like

Firm, rhythmic compression moving up legs, similar to massage or blood pressure cuff. Comfortable for most patients. Many people find it relaxing enough to fall asleep during service.

Results Timeline

Weeks 1-2: Body adapts to increased blood flow; subtle improvements in energy and stamina

Weeks 3-5: New vessel formation begins; reduced chest pain, better exercise tolerance, increased energy

Weeks 6-7: Cardiovascular improvements pronounced; significantly reduced angina episodes, improved energy and well-being

After Service: Benefits continue improving for weeks post-completion. Results typically maintained 3-5 years or longer.

35-40 Hours of Cardio MedBed sessions can totally transform function of your Cardiovascular System, Lymph System & Nervous System

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EECP vs. Other Cardiovascular Services

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EECP offers cardiovascular benefits without surgery, without anesthesia, and without recovery time.

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Combining EECP with Integrative Care

At New Orleans Health & Healing Association, we often combine Cardio MedBed EECP with complementary approaches:

Whole Life Health Coaching – Cardiovascular-supportive nourishment, stress management, and lifestyle modifications

Nutraceuticals Protocols – May include omega-3s, magnesium, and other supportive nutrients

AVACEN Therapy – Microcirculation support for comprehensive wellness

EECP works best as part of a complete approach to cardiovascular health, not as an isolated service.

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Common Questions About EECP

Q: Does EECP hurt?

No. Most people find it comfortable, like a rhythmic leg massage. Some describe it as relaxing enough to fall asleep during service.

Q: Can I continue my heart medications during EECP?

Yes. EECP works alongside your medications. Many clients are able to reduce medications after completing EECP, but any changes should be made in consultation with your cardiologist.

Q: How long do results last?

Most clients maintain benefits for 3-5 years after completing their EECP protocol. Some choose to do maintenance sessions periodically to extend results.

Q: How do I prepare for my session?

For comfort during your session, we recommend leggings and a loose-fitting top for women, and thin, comfortable pants for men. We also suggest avoiding a heavy meal for about 2 hours beforehand and limiting fluids for about 1 hour prior to your appointment.

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Who Benefits Most from EECP

Good fit if:
  • Angina limiting your activities
  • Heart disease; seeking natural cardiovascular improvement
  • Chronic fatigue from poor circulation
  • Want to avoid or delay cardiac procedures
  • Post-angioplasty or bypass with recurring symptoms
  • Want to optimize heart health as you age
  • Circulation issues affecting energy, cognition, or function
Not right if:
  • Pregnancy
  • Severe aortic valve disease
  • Uncontrolled arrhythmias
  • Certain blood clots or vascular conditions

We'll review your complete medical history to determine if EECP is safe for you.

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Clinical Research & Evidence

A look at what published science says about EECP, the technology inside the Cardio MedBed.

Enhanced External Counter Pulsation is among the most thoroughly studied non-invasive cardiovascular technologies in use today. Since the early 1990s, researchers around the world have published more than 100 peer-reviewed studies documenting how EECP supports circulation, oxygen delivery, and heart function.

Two landmark clinical trials anchor this body of evidence. The MUST-EECP trial, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, documented meaningful gains in exercise tolerance and chest comfort. The PEECH trial extended those findings to people living with heart failure, reporting improved exercise capacity and quality of life.

Research also shows that EECP encourages the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), supports the health of the vessel lining, and helps arteries stay flexible. These are whole-body circulation benefits, which is why scientific interest in EECP now reaches well beyond the heart.

100+Peer-reviewed studies published since the early 1990s
73%Report sustained improvement in long-term angina follow-up research

FDA-Cleared Indications

EECP technology holds FDA clearance for two cardiovascular indications, earned through decades of documented evidence.

Chronic Stable Angina

In long-term follow-up research, most individuals report lasting improvement in chest comfort and daily activity after completing a full course of EECP.

FDA-Cleared
Heart Failure

The PEECH clinical trial documented improved exercise capacity and quality of life for people living with chronic heart failure.

FDA-Cleared

This information is shared for education. Cardio MedBed sessions at New Orleans Health & Healing Association are wellness-supportive services offered to our members and are not a substitute for care from your physician or cardiologist.

Ready to Start EECP Therapy in Metairie?

New Orleans Health & Healing Association
Metairie, LA
📞 504-338-6456

Susan Varuso
Licensed Occupational Therapist & Certified Whole Life Health Coach