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What is external counterpulsation?
This is a noninvasive
technique to improve how well the heart works. Pressure cuffs
on the legs are inflated in sequences. This technique:
These actions
- increase the amount of blood and
oxygen going into the coronary arteries.
- decrease the work of the heart
when it beats.
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. |
