angina and food

[isobelhannah18]

Hi all

thanks for your brilliant support so far and I hope that someone can answer a stupid question!

Can a heavy meal trigger angina?

Thanks

[Dovaston]

Ina a word ' Yes '

[jimmyq]

There's no such thing as a stupid question. If you don't know, you don't know. Well, there's no such thing as a stupid question in heart matters anyway.

[DebbiB28 in reply to jimmyq]

I agree, there's nothing worse than sitting churning over in your mind something that is bothering you! Others might be thinking the same thing and one answer can help lots of people!

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Indeed it can. There was a news item only a few weeks ago how a heavy meal can trigger a heart attack particularly in those with cardiac history. A friend'mothet had a heart attack over Christmas in the seventies which the doctors put down to excessive food and alcohol consumption. They also think the shock of the heart attack brought on Type II Diabetes. She has been reasnobly well since but on increasing medication. Currently she is in hospital following two heart attacks as they try to balance the heart meds as aging (she is in her nineties) liver and kidneys struggle to cope with their breakdown and elimination.

[jimmyq in reply to MichaelJH]

I hope she recovers soon.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to jimmyq]

Thanks you. I will pass your best wishes on. It is probably sixty years since she first had me around for tea. Not sure where the years went.

[isobelhannah18]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Something else to avoid, but worth it to minimise angina.

[Frenchi]

Hi, Yes it can cause issues. A large meal has to be digested and this involves the stomach working harder hence blood supply to that area is increased. If having a larger than average meal get to know your limits and of course you don’t have to clear the plate. Also certain foods can be triggers I have learnt over the years what is ok for me and some foods I avoid. My advice would be try smaller meals and take longer to eat your meal and avoid any foods you know make you feel well. Maybe having a drink of water at meal time will help.

[isobelhannah18]

Thank-you for the explanation and the really good advice. I'll definitely try smaller meals and eat slower.

[IamMe2]

My cardiologist asked me if my symptoms worsened after I had eaten a 'heavy meal' (his words)

So there is your answer - yes!

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to IamMe2]

Though they find some people mistake indigestion for angina.

[IamMe2 in reply to Kristin1812]

True! As it happens I don't eat large meals or suffer from indigestion, I was just repeating (An abbreviated version) of what a cardiologist said. The process of digestion raises blood pressure, which, as we know, is linked to angina.

[CA1949]

I often find that certain foods trigger palpitations and a large meal certainly causes discomfort. I now eat my main meal at lunch time and keep active afterwards if I can, and a smaller meal in the evening. I have lost several kilos and sleep far better as a result.

[DebbiB28 in reply to CA1949]

If you don't mind me asking, what foods trigger palpitations for you? I'm trying to find answers for mine!

[CA1949 in reply to DebbiB28]

Anything with gluten. I am ok on carbohydrate so long as it is oat based rather than wheat based.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Yes,

Known as postprandial chest pain

[Peakbog]

Hi. I first experienced this after having a large meal and then going for a walk which had a moderate hill. Now I had been able to walk up this hill without triggering my angina in the past, but this time I could only walk very slowly as the heavy chest feeling came on. This was new to me and scary. My doctor also told me about the blood flow being used for digestion and not helping my walk. I have done this walk several times since on an empty stomach and no issues. So I can exercise but I have to be aware of this effect.

[Serg12 in reply to Peakbog]

For many years they have advised not swimming after eating for the same reasons.

[sandrann]

Hi there..yes I totally agree with all the comments..eat slow and chew food thoroughly before swallowing..get your digestive juices working with you and be kind to your heart.. I now have a rather long list of foods which I must avoid in order to offset symptoms..

Have a good Sunday

[Healthyheart1]

Yes it can. Angina stoped me feeling that I can go out and have fun. Lame I know it is but my body may have changed but my heads not there yet .

[Shootist]

Yes I had 3 stents in June this year and all the symtoms I had was when I ate I got a pain like indigestion in the centre of my chest every time I ate went to the gym for three month before this no problems doctor thought it was indigestion nothing on ECG but it showed up on stress test.

Had to pay private for stress test £700.00 did not want to wate 6 months for it paid private 2 days if you think you have it get it checked out asap.

[Handel]

Sounds a bit strange but - yes it can! Stress is also a trigger.

Try checking your blood pressure (if you have a home meter thingy) after a heavy meal! You'll see the heart is working harder.

Good luck and as the lovely people on this forum have said, just eat smaller meals, chew each mouthful well and have a drink of water or squash to help with digestion.

xxx

[isobelhannah18]

Thank-you everyone for taking the time to reply. The advice has been really useful. I'm like Healthy heart 1- my body's changed but my mind's nowhere near catching up.