An apparatus and method for altering reflected arterial pulse of a body is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a belt having a compression member arranged to apply a pressure to the body, the belt being arranged to be positioned such that the compression member applies the pressure to one of at least two pressure points between the xiphis sternum and navel of the body, the belt adjustable to provide at least two pressure levels to each of the at least two pressure points and a blood pressure monitoring device arranged to obtain a beat-to-beat arterial pulse waveform when the pressure is applied at each of the pressure points and at each of the at least two pressure levels; and analyze the waveform to determine the optimum position for the compression device to apply the pressure to the body to alter the pulse waveform.