The Misinterpretation of Electrocardiograms with Postprandial T-Wave Inversion

Abstract

Postprandial changes in the electrocardiogram are generally considered to be slight and not subject to misinterpretation. Four patients are presented in whom a diagnosis of coronary artery disease had been made because of flattening or inversion of the T waves in the bipolar or lateral V leads. The changes in T waves were temporary and could be produced by a high-carbohydrate meal. In addition, T-wave changes after a similar meal were studied in 85 normal young adults and 47 patients.