Postprandial angina pectoris


 * Associate Editor-In-Chief:

Overview
Postprandial angina pectoris is anginal chest discomfort that occurs following meals. It is thought to be due to an increase in vascular tone or a reduction in coronary blood flow.

Pathophysiology

 * An angina can occur after meals, without any ordinary physical activity, as a result of increased coronary vascular tone and a decrease in coronary blood flow. However, postprandial angina may occur only during physical activity after meals because of an associated increase in myocardial oxygen demand.


 * Postprandial angina is almost always associated with significant atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.

Symptoms
Postprandial angina may occur only during physical activity after meals.

Treatment
The treatment is the same as chronic stable angina.