Gastro-intestinal manifestations of heart disease

Summary

• 1. Gastro-intestinal manifestations were noted in 10% of cardiac patients.

• 2. Pain, distress, or fullness in the epigastric region, over the entire abdomen, or in the right upper quadrant were the most common complaints and occurred either previous to or at the same time as the important cardiac symptoms.

• 3. Early gastro-intestinal manifestations of heart disease were belching, obstipation, and flatulence, but they were far less frequent in occurrence.

• 4. All of the gastro-intestinal manifestations were usually unrelenting in character and persisted until the cardiac condition was relieved.

• 5. Combined gastro-intestinal and heart disease may occur but it is uncommon; only three patients in this series had both conditions present at the same time.