Hickory Cardiology Associates/Western Piedmont Heart Centers announced today that it has completed a new form of therapy to treat Hall of Fame NASCAR driver Ned Jarrett for cardiac ischemia that led to his suffering frequent chest pains and fatigue. EECP(R) therapy, external counterpulsation, is an effective, noninvasive, outpatient treatment indicated for use in cases of angina.

"This therapy helped me greatly," said Jarrett, two-time champion of what is now known as the Nextel Cup series, father of current NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett and known in the NASCAR world as "Gentlemen Ned" for his warm and pleasant personality. "I no longer have chest pain and I have more energy again. It's been great for me and from what I've learned about EECP therapy, it can help a lot of other people, too."

Jarrett underwent two angioplasties in 2002, receiving cardiac stents in both procedures. "It helped me for awhile," said Jarrett, "but I still wasn't feeling the way I wanted to. Last June, I felt chest pains again while I was exercising. That's when I started getting more information about this treatment."

According to Carl T. Lomboy, MD, FACC, and EECP Medical Director at Hickory Cardiology Associates, "Many patients who have already undergone angioplasty or bypass surgery continue to experience symptoms of angina. They think there's nothing else available so they endure the pain and reduce their activities. With enhanced external counterpulsation therapy, we can offer many patients the chance to again enjoy life more fully by reducing or even eliminating their pain and shortness of breath."

Enhanced external counterpulsation treatment is typically given in 35 one-hour-sessions over seven weeks. Patients lie down on a padded table and their calves and lower and upper thighs are wrapped in a pressure cuff set. The system, which is synchronized to the individual patient's cardiac cycle, inflates the cuffs with air to create external pressure when the heart is resting (diastole) and deflates the cuffs just before the heart beats (systole). The system's action, which pulses counter to the heart's beating, increases blood flow to the heart muscle and decreases the heart's workload, creating a greater oxygen supply for the heart muscle while lowering the heart's need for oxygen.

More than 80 articles published in leading medical journals document significant benefits to patients suffering from angina and congestive heart failure, including improvements in exercise capacity, peak oxygen consumption, and quality of life.

Jarrett had considered receiving his therapy in California until he learned that Hickory Cardiology would be the first healthcare facility in the region to offer the treatment. Jarrett became the cardiology practice's first EECP therapy patient in mid-August, and Hickory Cardiology already has a waiting list for patients seeking this new therapy. The practice is considering purchasing additional machines.

Jarrett has been elected to 12 motor sports and sports Halls of Fame, including the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Jarrett drove to racing greatness in 1965 when he won 13 races, including the Southern 500 at Darlington, S.C. He placed among the top five 42 times in 54 races, and earned his second Grand National championship. During his career, Jarrett won 50 races and two championships. Jarrett is widely known as an accomplished broadcaster for his work on CBS, ESPN and Fox Sports Network. His daily radio program, "Ned Jarrett's World of Racing," is broadcast by MRN Radio on 260 stations nationwide and has continued for the past 26 years.

"I'm so thankful for the care I've received," added Jarrett. "The treatment has allowed me to exercise without chest pain or feeling winded. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but I hope other people talk to their doctors to see if this might help them, too."

Editor's note: For more information on Hickory Cardiology, visit www.wphc.com. For more information on EECP(R) therapy, visit www.eecp.com. EECP(R) is a registered trademark for Vasomedical, Inc.'s enhanced external counterpulsation systems.