Heart rate after large meals?

My question may sound silly, but this is something I have noticed for years.  After a meal(especially large), occasionally I will get an increase in heart rate.  Normally my rate is in the 60's or 70's resting, but after a meal, it will pound sometimes for an hour or so and will be increased markedly.  Is this a normal phenomena, one which most experience but dont notice?  I am aware of my heart alot, and becasue of this am aware of the change after a meal.  It happens more when eating out, certain foods, but is not limited to just one or two things.  It is anxiety provoking and at times prevents me from eating out with friends, due to the fear of it happening.  Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you

[dawnragene]

Hey there!!  When I clicked on your question I couldn't believe the similarity of our problem.  I feel the exact same.  I recently went to the doctor over it cause I was feeling that way all day long and it ended up being my allergy cold medication I was taking.  It was over the counter and some of that stuff has an ingredient that some people can't handle.  They get rapid heart rate and anxious feeling. I still have a rapid heart rate after I eat though.  It isn't everytime I eat.  Do you also feel really tired after eating and feeling the rapid heart rate?  I almost feel like passing out!!  It is soo... weird.  Are you overweight?  I am 25 and weigh about 290 lbs.  I'm sure that has something to do with it.  I hope someone can help us understand.
Good Luck to you!!

[shelley67]

Hi,  Thanks for replying, and to answer your questions, I am average weight, and yea, working in a pharmacy for years I do know how those decongestants can increase your rate.  I do sometimes feel tired after eating a large meal, but am sometimes unable to sleep due to the awareness and pounding of my heart.  I realize it is probably a normal thing that most folks dont notice as much, and commom sense will tell ya that certain things including will temporarily raise your heart rate, due to the increase in blood flow to the digestion.  It is just something that when it happens, I become aware of and am boithered by until it slows.