Caffeine

Hi. I play for my school basketball team. However, I am only 5' 7" and have a little bit of inferiority complex as i am one of the shortest on the team. As recently as a month back, i started consuming caffeine before games as i heard it could increase my stamina and it did. However, i now have a very strong heartbeat. I can feel my heart beat on my chest wall. lucidly.... But i can now play for the whole game without getting tired or slowing down. whole of 1 hour and 30 minutes to two hours. Is this over-exertion harmful? i have had "phosphene" that sensation of bright lights without an external stimuli while playing. Also, does hyper-extension put me at risk for stroke or even an aneurysm? should i stop taking caffeine or stop playing all-together?

[aut1221]

Consuming caffeine causes palpitation, combined with intense exercise for long periods leads to my condition? cardiomegaly? i dont have "athlete's bradycardia" though. now if i stop exercise permanently, is there risk of left-sided ventricular failure? what should i do. need advice. any information or suggestion would be helpful. please write your ideas. did i set myself up for something serious in the distant future? :) just anxious as i never had thumping-type heart beat before. is it a good sign or a bad one?

[lulama]

Well Aut,

I sure hope you are seeing a doctor about this.............your questions can only be answered by a doctor, after a physical examination.........but as to your question about caffeine........yes, it can cause palps, and increase your heart rate.........you didn't say how much, which is very important, of course...too much can be harmful......you need to stop quessing about all of this and see a doctor so you can get your answers........and I would say cut the caffeine until you do..........I  hope you get really good answers so you can keep on with the basketball........I feel sure you will............good wishes........let us know