External Counterpulsation is an ingenious method that doesnot use drugs, is non-invasive, inexpensive and safe -- unlike conventional surgical procedures such as angioplasty and bypass surgery. Physician should inform patients of all the treatment options available for ischemic heart disease, including FDA approved ECP, says physician Dr. Grossman.

The benefits of ECP in patients with chest pain due to blockage of the heart blood vessels (angina pectoris), and heart attack with or without shock, that have been reported in the scientific literature include:

1) Increase in venous blood flow returning to the heart.

2) Increase in the resting phase of the heart beat cycle, which promotes greater oxygenation to the heart.

3) "Milks" blood flow from lower extremities which increases the filling of the heart and thereby increases cardiac output. In addition , there is increased blood flow to all other vital organs, including the brain and kidneys, without increasing the heart rate.

4) The left ventride of the heart has less to push against because of decreased peripheral resistance. THis reduction in resistance increases the heart's performance and reduces its workload.

5) Increases perfusion(blood flow) throughout the heart, eliminating or reducing myocardial ishemia (lack of blood flow and oxygen)

6) Promotes the development of collateral blood vessels (blood vessels that develop alongside or parallel to blocked or injured blood vessels)

7) Reduces the frequency and intensity of angina symptoms (chest pain).

8) Reduces ventricular fibrillation (rapid, convulsive movements of the heart muscles)

9) Improves myocardial lactate removal(a build up of lactic and causes muscle fatigue)

10) Slows the progression of cardiac failure in those with the cardiac insufficiency.

11) Increases exercise tolerance.

12) Improves the person's sense of well being and overall quality of life.

13) Decreases the risk of heart attack.

14) Reduces the need for anti anginal medication.

15) The positive effects are sustained between tratmentand generally persist for several years after the end of therapeutic program.

16) Usually well tolerated with no significant side effects

These effects are dependent on there being at least one intact, functional blood vessel to the heart. The greater the number of blocked arteries, the less the benefit of ECP. In patients with single vessel destruction, 95% had no sign of redogging after the treatment program. In those with 2 vessel coronary artery disease, there was 90% improvement, and in those patients with 3-vessel disease, there was a 42% improvement.