The following are my notes to myself on this great book.( I take notes on each of the 200+ books I read each year)Alternate names: virtual exercise, passive exercise, deep tissue massage, big squeeze (austistic?)The 35 session program strengthens the cardio system - by applying pressure at the right time during each heart beat. Makes it much easier for the patient to get into exercise later.Stronger and become better able to deliver more blood, oxygen, and nutrients.Typically needs to have second treatment in 5 years - similar to by-pass and other heart treatments. Far less expensive than US invasive techniques.35 session treatment plan was established in China. China now has 1,800 EECP centers (US has 650 locations) . 74% of Chinese patients maintained improvement for at least 7 years pg 58. Also patients were 4X less likely to suffer a cardiac death in the following 8 years. Chinese doctor's salary, until several years ago, was based on keeping person healthy, not on treating problems. 1 million Chinese have had EECP treatment. They use it for a wide variety of circulatory conditions, including strokes, Parkinson's disease, and visual impairments (pg 59)Blood flow is critical to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Ancient Egyptian Medicine, and Ancient Greek Medicine pg 34EPA approval for chronic stable angina and cardiogenic shock, then in 2002 congestive heart failure pg 61There was a successful double-blind test of EECP in 1999.Which prompted Medicare to being paying for that treatment for that heart problem in that year.Very impressive international Angina statistics on page 75. 5,000 patients,140 centers, patients had been diagnosed with heart problems for 10 years on average,85% had undergone at least one bypass surgery or angioplasty or stent previously42% had diabetes32% had congestive heart failure84% were deemed inoperableResults after 3 years: 35% no angina, % of patients with 4 obstructed arteries went from 23% down to 5%In the US, EECP is used for Stable Angina. Elsewhere it is used for both stable and unstable (comes on suddenly) angina - success rate being 74% and 80% respectively.Her report on use with elderly: 24 patients with average age = 85.96% reduced symptoms, increased activity level, and improved physical mobility - all with no adverse events. 81% maintained the benefit for at least 1 year.Diabetes (9.5% of population) and EECPStudy of 658 patients with diabetes and symptomatic heart disease.87% has previously had invasive procedure and were not candidates for additional surgery.69% responded favorably and72% still had benefits 1 year later.None worsened. Also improved blood sugar control pg 106Also helpful with Rheumatoid Arthritis (1% of population),tinnitus decreased significantly in 47% after just 5-10 sessions (pg 102),Some forms of deafness and blindness are also treated by Chinese with EECPShe believes that EECP gets you to the next fitness level, from whatever level you are at. pg 111Sleep better; a side affect reported by many patientsWhile EECP is now offered to patients as treatment of last resort, various studies indicate that it could be the first treatment for heart disease. pg 1232.4 million Americans have coronary artery disease and are considered to be inoperable. pg 123Vasomedical leading manufacturer - 650 locations in the US [****] [...]Washington as of Feb 2006: Seattle, Yakima, Long View, VancouverPoor blood flow -> blockages.So she feels that need to work on better flow, not cleanup the consequence of poor flow. pg 124EECP was first developed in US 30 years ago, but then widely adopted and evolved in ChinaFuture: she believes that it will become the first treatment for heart disease, and perhaps even a way to prevent heart disease. pg 160
