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Noninvasive Procedure is Becoming Preferred Option for Treating Angina

8/21/2001 - Albuquerque, New Mexico: Southwest Cardiology Associates, a cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery practice in Albuquerque, is pleased to be the first in new Mexico to offer a new therapy for patients with chronic, inoperable angina. While most people are familiar with the terms "bypass surgery" and "balloon angioplasty," not everyone is aware of EECP. Yet, EECP is safe, efficacious treatment option for angina, which is characterized by agonizing spasms of pain.

The severity and frequency of angina can be decreased in many people without surgery. People who have partially blocked arteries may have blood-starved hearts. The EECP system includes a series of cuffs around the legs that inflate and deflate in sync with the heart beat. When inflated, cuffs push oxygen-rich blood toward the heart. When cuffs deflate, blood leaves the heart without the organ having to work as hard. Cardiologists believe that over time, EECP can help tiny blood vessels carry more blood to the heart muscle, off setting blocked arteries.

EECP is currently the only clinically tested and proven noninvasive outpatient procedure to relieve angina. Patients who receive EECP usually experience increased exercise tolerance, elimination or decrease in anginal episodes, and decreased need for anti-anginal medication.

Dr. Salim Walji, a cardiovascular surgeon who will head this EECP program at Southwest Cardiology, points out how disheartening and frustrating it is when patients run out of all treatment options once they develop end-stage angina. Frequent doctor visits and repeated hospitalizations become part of their life routine. Dr. Walji states, "We are, therefore, very excited about obtaining access to this noninvasive treatment modality, that seems very promising, both according to the emerging medical literature as well as reported by the patients who have undergone this course of treatment elsewhere in the country."

Southwest Cardiology Associates has been providing quality heart care for over 20 years, with offices in 5 locations throughout the state.

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