This study evaluated the effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation, or EECP, combined with atorvastatin in patients experiencing cognitive impairment after stroke. Researchers found that the combined therapy was associated with greater improvements in cognitive function, daily living ability, neurotransmitter levels, vascular markers, and cerebral blood flow compared to atorvastatin alone. While the study was limited by its retrospective design and small sample size, the findings suggest EECP may be a meaningful area of research for post-stroke cognitive support.

This 2016 study explored the use of Enhanced External Counterpulsation, or EECP, in patients with mild cognitive impairment. After 35 one-hour sessions, researchers observed improvements in cerebral blood flow in certain brain regions, including areas associated with memory and cognition. While the study was small, its findings suggest EECP may offer a promising, non-invasive area of research for supporting brain circulation and cognitive health.

External counterpulsation therapy, originally created to treat angina and heart failure, was shown by KU Medical Center researchers to improve cognitive function.

Enhanced external counterpulsation: A unique treatment for the “No-Option” refractory angina patient

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for management of refractory angina (Class IIb). Article by PubMed.

Effect of enhanced external counterpulsation versus individual shear rate therapy on the peripheral artery functions. Article by nature.com and science reports.