Effects on blood pressure in patients with refractory angina pectoris after enhanced external counterpulsation.
OBJECTIVE
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive technique that has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of angina pectoris. Little is known how EECP affects the blood pressure.


METHODS
153 patients with refractory angina were treated with either EECP or retained on their pharmacological treatment (reference group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate were measured pre- and post-treatment and at 12 months follow-up.


RESULTS
EECP treatment altered the blood pressure in patients with refractory angina pectoris. A decrease in the blood pressure was more common in the EECP group compared with the reference group. In the reference group, an increase in the blood pressure was more common. A correlation between a decrease in blood pressure after EECP treatment and a higher baseline MAP, SBP and DBP was seen. No such correlation was seen in the reference group. The blood pressure response did not persist at 12 months follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
EECP treatment affects the blood pressure in patients with refractory angina pectoris. The decreased blood pressure may be a result of an improved exercise capacity, an improved endothelial function and vasoreactivity in general.
Bondesson
Susanne
S
Department of Medicine, Kristianstad, Sweden. Susanne.Bondesson@med.lu.se
Pettersson
Thomas
T
Ohlsson
Ola
O
Hallberg
Ingalill R
IR
Wackenfors
Angelica
A
Edvinsson
Lars
L
D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015908:Counterpulsation / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged