Effects of components of meals (carbohydrate, fat, protein) in causing postprandial exertional angina pectoris

We have shown that unlike fat, protein, xylose, or water, the carbohydrate component of the meal accelerates myocardial ischemia, reduces exercise capacity, and is associated with a more rapid increase in the determinants of myocardial oxygen consumption than exercise in the fasting state. Our results suggest a role for a larger increase in sympathetic nervous activity and/or release of vasoactive gastrointestinal peptides after carbohydrates than after other test meals in postprandial angina.