This is a noninvasive technique to increase oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart and to reduce the heart's workload.  It's performed over a series of several weeks, with each session lasting from one to two hours. Pressure cuffs on the legs are inflated in sequences. As a result, the blood vessels in the legs are gently compressed and the blood is forced back to the heart. This technique

• lowers the pressure the heart must pump against
• increases the rate of return of blood to the heart
• increases blood pressure while the heart is resting

When is external counterpulsation used?

It's used to decrease pain from angina pectoris. Angina is chest pain or discomfort. It happens because the heart muscle doesn't get enough blood and oxygen for the work it's doing.

External counterpulsation improves the balance between the amount of oxygen the heart needs and the amount it gets. Both these changes reduce the pain of angina, increase level of exercise and decrease the need for medication.