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Gastrocardia syndrome
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Gastrocardial syndrome (abdominal angina) is a symptom complex caused by the neuroreflex connection of organs: the upper floor of the abdominal cavity and the cardiac system. Gastrocardial syndrome is not a nosological form, but can be used as a temporary working diagnosis. The issue has not been thoroughly studied, but scientific research in recent years has revealed a clear relationship between the development of this syndrome and direct irritation or hypoxia of the solar plexus (solaritis).
[ What causes gastrocardial syndrome?
Gastrocardial syndrome is most often observed in aortic atherosclerosis with transitions to the mouth, gastric ulcer and tumors, pancreatitis, hernias of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm, the clinical picture is especially clearly expressed in the case of damage to the coronary and mesenteric vessels. In the initial stages of the process, the provoking factor is a large meal, but as the disease progresses, an attack develops even with a small amount of food.
How does gastrocardial syndrome manifest itself?
An attack can last from several minutes to 3-5 hours. Dull pains in the epigastrium and behind the breastbone, which appear 20-30 minutes after eating, are disturbing. At the same time, belching of air is noted, there may be hiccups, palpitations, tachycardia or, conversely, bradycardia, extrasystole, arterial pressure may increase, a vegetative reaction and dizziness are often noted. In severe cases, attacks of angina pectoris may develop, up to myocardial infarction.
How is gastrocardial syndrome treated?
If the attack is not associated with overeating, use our diagnostic test: give the patient a teaspoon of drinking water; in intensive care, insert a probe into the stomach and rinse it with a weak soda solution. With gastrocardial syndrome, the attack is stopped before your eyes, which can be determined even by the pulse. After the attack is stopped, abdominal pathology comes to the fore: flatulence, constipation, which is replaced by profuse foul-smelling diarrhea.
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