The conclusion of this most recent study is further evidence that we have been doing too much intervention and not enough prevention when it comes to heart disease.

Following a trial involving more than 2,280 patients, researchers concluded that the use of surgical angioplasty and stenting (coupled with medication) provides no long-term advantage to a patient over a preventive treatment plan that includes appropriate medication, diagnostic testing, and lifestyle improvements. This news has stirred up controversy among the medical community. Over the past three decades the use of invasive angioplasty and stenting - a two-part procedure that involves manually opening a blockage by inflating a balloon at the end of a catheter and then using a wire tube to "prop open" the once-blocked artery - has become the initial strategy in the treatment of stable coronary artery disease.

In fact, recent data indicate that more than 1 million coronary stent procedures are performed in this country each year, and nearly 85 percent of these procedures are elective. Elective angioplasties and stents almost never prevent heart attacks. Practicing aggressive prevention is the more effective approach.

We now know that most heart attacks occur when a soft, cholesterol-rich plaque bursts, resulting in the formation of a blood clot that suddenly blocks the flow of blood to the heart. These soft plaques occur in the lining of the artery wall, not in the artery itself, which is why merely opening up a blocked artery will not prevent a heart attack or stroke.

Recommended Reading for Heart Disease Prevention that is based on lifestyle changes and not on surgery and invasive procedures: The South Beach Heart Program by Arthur Agatston M.D. and Stress, Diet and Your Heart: A Lifetime Program for Healing Your Heart Without Drugs or Surgery by Dean Ornish M.D..

External cardiac counterpulsation is a noninvasive outpatient technique performed to decrease chest pain (angina pectoris) by increasing oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart. The external counterpulsation system inflates and deflates pressure cuffs on the legs, moving the blood from the lower limbs toward the heart. This process enhances blood flow through the coronary arteries. By increasing the amount of oxygen-rich blood flowing through the coronary artery, new vessels (collateral circulation) form around the blockages, creating a natural bypass.

This is a proven non-invasive method for the treatment and prevention of heart disease that consists of 35 one hour sessions. The effects may last for up to 5 years, according to research data and the procedure can be repeated.

You may be a candidate for External Counterpulsation if you:

Have chronic stable angina

Use Nitroglycerin regularly

Do not qualify as a candidate for invasive procedures

Have exhaused invasive treatments without lasting relief of symptoms

Are unwilling to undergo surgery or angioplasty

Want to explore alternatives to bypass surgery or angioplasty

This alternative to invasive cardiac procedures and surgery is now available at many major medical centers in the US and is covered by health insurance.

More than 800 physicians in the U.S. use EECP therapy to treat approximately 19,000 patients annually who suffer with chronic angina and heart failure. With a success rate of approximately 80 percent and an annual growth rate of over 30 percent, EECP therapy is one of the fastest-growing medical procedures in the country. More than 80 articles published in leading medical journals document significant benefits to patients suffering from angina and congestive heart failure, including symptom relief, increase in functional capacity and improved quality of life.

For patients who are good candidates for the treatment, EECP therapy is considered a safe, highly beneficial, low cost, non- invasive therapy.