Dr. Annie T. Varughese, an Adjunct Professor at Baylor University in Texas and CEO of the Advanced Cardiovascular Care Center in Houston Texas has posted an interesting YouTube video presentation (https://youtu.be/3zS5v5T4oXA ) on Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) Therapy. Dr. Varughese, who is also a Consultant in Interventional Cardiology at King’s College Hospital in Dubai, UAE, presents on the history, principles of action and the scientific data supporting the use of EECP therapy in refractory angina patients, for which the technology is U.S. FDA cleared and covered under U.S. Medicare.
At approximately 13 minutes into the presentation Dr. Varughese provides information on the effect that COVID-19 has on respiratory distress and its progression into vascular networks. Dr. Varughese further describes the disease’s effect on associated platelet-endothelial dysfunction and rapid life-threatening blood clotting. She explains that SARS-CoV-2 is a thrombotic and vascular disease targeting endothelial cells, which is particularly seen in patients with cardiometabolic commodities such as hypertension and endothelial dysfunction.
Citing both a publication in Frontiers in Physiology by Ryan Chang, et al entitled “SARS-CoV-2 Mediated Endothelial Dysfunction: The Potential Role of Chronic Oxidative Stress” and a review article by Marvin A. Sackner et al published in Emerging Topics in Life Sciences in 2020 entitled “Endothelial pulsatile shear stress is a backstop for COVID-19”
Dr. Varughese’s presentation demonstrates how EECP therapy may play a role in the prevention and reversal of cardiovascular disease in COVID-19 patients. She makes the connection between EECP therapy’s ability to mediate endothelial dysfunction through its role in producing endothelial pulsatile shear stress.
For additional information visit Dr. Varughese’s YouTube Presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zS5v5T4oXA&feature=youtu.be