Practicability and limitations of enhanced external counterpulsation as an additional treatment for angina.

Background: An increasing number of clinical studies indicates reduction of angina and myocardial ischemia by enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy. However, given the wide range of contraindications and the long duration of treatment, eligibility and practicality issues have not been addressed systematically.

Hypothesis: Of all candidates for EECP (patients with drug-refractory angina without possibility of revascularization), the majority either have contraindications or have practical problems complying with the time demands that this therapy imposes.