What should you know about abdominal angina?

It is also called chronic mesenteric ischaemia. The reduced circulation is commonly related to narrowed arteries and needs medical assessment because blood flow can worsen suddenly.

Digestion increases the intestine's demand for oxygen-rich blood. When its arteries are narrowed, that demand may exceed the available supply, producing a dull, cramping, or severe pain in the upper or central abdomen after meals.

Repeated pain can make someone eat smaller portions or avoid food, which may lead to unintended weight loss. Nausea, diarrhoea, or bloating can occur, but these symptoms also have many other causes. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy cholesterol can increase the likelihood of artery disease.

Arrange a prompt medical appointment for recurring abdominal pain linked to meals, especially when it changes eating habits or accompanies weight loss. Record when pain begins, where it is felt, what was eaten, and whether nausea or bowel changes occur.

A clinician may examine the abdomen, assess pulses and vascular risk factors, and order blood tests. Ultrasound or CT angiography can show blood flow and narrowing in the mesenteric arteries. Treatment may involve restoring circulation with an artery-opening procedure or surgery. Medicines to reduce clotting risk, control blood pressure, or lower cholesterol may support vascular care, but they do not replace evaluation of restricted intestinal blood flow.

Do not start aspirin or change prescribed vascular medicines on your own, because bleeding risk and other health conditions affect whether they are suitable.

Call emergency services for sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, particularly when the pain seems much stronger than the tenderness on touching the abdomen. Acute loss of intestinal blood flow can damage bowel tissue and requires immediate hospital assessment.

Emergency help is also appropriate if abdominal pain occurs with fainting, confusion, persistent vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, a swollen rigid abdomen, cold clammy skin, or difficulty breathing. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely unwell.

Ask whether the timing of your pain suggests reduced intestinal blood flow, which scan is appropriate, and whether you need referral to a vascular specialist. Discuss your smoking history, blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, previous artery disease, current medicines, and any recent change in weight or appetite.

If narrowing is found, ask what procedure is proposed, how it may improve circulation, what recovery involves, and which warning signs should send you directly to emergency care.