EECP is a non-surgical, mechanical procedure that can reduce the symptoms of angina pectoris, by increasing coronary blood flow in areas of the heart that lack blood flow. During the treatment, blood pressure cuffs are wrapped around the legs in synchronisation with heart beat. This promotes blood flow throughout body and particularly to the heart. In this process blood velocity increases, smoothens inner layer and prevents further block.
EECP develops new pathways around blocked arteries in the heart by expanding collaterals. These collaterals were present since birth as a natural reserve. When opened by this pressure treatment they serve as a bypass for blood supply to the heart. For this reason, it is often called the natural bypass.