Non-Invasive Heart Treatments: Safer Alternatives for a Healthier Heart

The heart is a major organ of the human body, which supplies blood and oxygen to the entire body. But due to today’s busy lifestyle, wrong eating habits, and stress, cases of heart disease are increasing rapidly. Surgical and invasive methods are usually used to treat heart diseases. However, non-invasive heart treatment options have gained increasing attention in recent years. These methods are not only effective but also safer and convenient for patients. In this article, we will discuss various aspects of non-invasive heart treatment.

What is non-invasive heart treatment?
Non-invasive heart treatment is the medical procedure in which the disease is treated without surgery or inserting any type of device inside the body. In this treatment, heart diseases are managed through EECP procedures, medicines, and lifestyle changes. It is an excellent option for patients who want to avoid the risk of surgery or whose physical condition is not compatible with surgical intervention.

non-invasive heart treatments
1. Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is an advanced technology that helps increase the blood flow capacity of the heart. In this procedure, special cuffs are placed on the legs and lower back, which work in sync with the heartbeat. This causes contraction and expansion of blood vessels, which ensures better blood flow to the heart.

– Improves blood flow: This procedure helps increase blood flow in the blood vessels around the heart and grow new collateral blood vessels (natural bypass).
– Timed compressions: Special cuffs (pumping belts) are placed on the patient’s legs and hips. These cuffs apply and release pressure in coordination with the heartbeat to control blood pressure.
– Active pumping: The cuff pumps blood flow upward (toward the heart) when the heart is at rest (diastole). When the heart pumps blood (systole), the pressure on the cuff is released. This action improves blood circulation in the body and reduces pressure on the heart.

How does EECP therapy work?
During EECP therapy, special air cuffs are placed on the patient’s legs and lower body. These cuffs are compressed and relaxed in a certain sequence in sync with the patient’s heartbeat.
– When the heart is in relaxation mode (diastolic phase), these cuffs propel blood from the lower body toward the heart.
– During the contraction of the heart (systolic phase), the cuffs relax, allowing blood flow to return to normal.
– This process provides more oxygen to the heart muscle and improves blood flow in the coronary arteries.

Benefit:
– Improves blood flow in heart arteries
– Reduction in symptoms of angina
– Dependence on medicines is reduced.

In which conditions is EECP therapy recommended?
– Chronic Angina: Problem of frequent chest pain.
– Coronary artery disease (CAD): Blockage in the heart’s arteries.
– Patients are ineligible for surgery.
– Patients who are not getting relief from medicines.

Time and duration of the procedure:
– Each session lasts about an hour and is done 5 days a week.
– Improves blood flow: It increases oxygen supply to the heart.
– Reduction in chest pain: Reduces symptoms of angina.
– Increased energy: Fatigue is reduced, and the patient feels more active.
– Improves heart function: EECP has also been shown to be helpful in conditions like heart failure and coronary artery disease.

Care after EECP therapy:
– Consult a doctor regularly.
– A healthy diet (less fat and more fiber).
– Incorporating exercise and yoga into daily routine.
– Adopting stress management techniques.

Which patients is it suitable for?
– Those who have chronic angina (chronic chest pain).
– Those who are at higher risk of surgery (bypass or stent).
– Weakness in the heart muscles (heart failure).
– Those who are not getting adequate benefits from medicines.

Who can’t get it done?
Patients with severe heart disease who require immediate surgery.
Those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, varicose veins, or blood clotting problems.
Lifestyle changes: the basis of non-invasive treatment
Lifestyle changes play an important role in non-invasive treatment.

1. Healthy diet
– What should we eat:
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Whole grains and low-fat protein sources.

– What not to eat:
more sugar and salt
Trans Fats and Processed Foods
Excessive caffeine and alcohol.

2. Regular exercise: Exercise is the most effective way to maintain heart health. Cardiovascular exercises like brisk walking, running, and cycling strengthen the heart.

3. Yoga and Pranayam: Yoga and Pranayam not only provide mental peace but also improve the functioning of the heart. Pranayama techniques like Bhastrika, Anulom-Vilom, and Kapalbhati help keep the heart stress-free and control blood pressure.

4. Stress Management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, and pranayam not only give mental peace but also reduce the risk of heart disease.

5. Quit smoking and alcohol: Excessive consumption of smoking and alcohol damages the arteries of the heart. Quitting these habits can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease

Advantages of non-invasive treatment
Safety: Since this treatment does not involve surgical intervention, it is safer. Shorter recovery time: Patients recover faster with non-invasive methods compared to surgery.
Low cost: These methods cost relatively less compared to surgical procedures.
No Side Effects: These techniques usually do not cause any side effects.

Other non-invasive heart treatment options
1. Apart from EECP therapy: there are some other non-invasive heart treatment methods also available that help in treating heart diseases:
2. Vibration Therapy: It uses special types of vibrations on different parts of the body, thereby stimulating blood flow and the lymphatic system.
3. Electrical Stimulation: A mild electrical current is used to stimulate the heart muscle.
4. Magnetic Therapy: This treatment improves blood flow in the body and activates the heart muscles through magnetic fields.

Conclusion

Non-invasive heart treatment has brought a new revolution in the medical field. These techniques not only avoid the risks of surgery but also provide better treatment to the patients without any pain and discomfort. However, to maintain heart health, it is most important that people pay attention to their eating habits and lifestyle. The risk of heart disease can be reduced to a great extent by timely screening and medical consultation.
Non-invasive heart treatment will bring further medical advances in the future, benefiting millions of people. A healthy heart is the foundation of a healthy life, and it is every person’s responsibility to take care of their heart.