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Subject: Re: 1st Time Palpitations I'm 40 and at the start of the year I began BP medication. My pressure was usually around 135/90. My doctor put me on Atenolol, but after 8 months I was tired of being tired, falling asleep at 7pm etc. so last month we switched to Lotensin 10mg. Earlier this week I went for a check up, my BP was 130/82 and we decided to stay with this. But over the last few days I've noticed that when I bend down or crouch dpwn, when I first stand up I get slightly light-headed and can "feel" my heartbeat in my ears. This only lasts a few seconds. About 2 hours ago, just after eating, I started to feel my heart pounding. Through a medical program I have, it sounds like palpitations...which in turn led me here. I have no pains, I've read my beat at 80-90 per minute and just feel slightly lightheaded and weak. Now, I had very little sleep last night and worked 9 hours today ( a desk job ) and did drink almost a whole pot of coffee earlier today. At first I was pretty nervous but reading the info here I feel a bit better. I guess my question is, how long do palpitations generally last? I mean, I've felt mine for over an hour now....I'm sure my anxiety is playing a part too... Can a heavy meal contribute? I didn't seem to get them until after eating...Or am I just over tired and over caffeinated? I'm pretty convinced I'm not now dying ( although earlier I did feed my dog already, in case I had to call an ambulance ). OK, these aren't fun, I feel I've joined a new club or something :) Thanks for your help! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for your question. I don't know if "welcome to the club" is appropriate but what you describe is very common and almost always benign. Do you have a BP cuff at home? If not you should purchase an automatic type (about $60) so you can check to make sure your BP is not getting to low when you have these episodes. If your BP is normal and the medication is working I would stay on it unless these feelings are bothersome. Fatigue and caffeine could also have contributed. Have you had any additional episodes since posting this message? If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
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