Re: 1st Time Palpitations

Posted By Denise on November 22, 1998 at 21:58:01:

In Reply to: 1st Time Palpitations posted by Jim on November 22, 1998 at 18:08:46:






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!

Hi,
I love your humor!  I'm sure with a pot of coffee, you could have fed the dog a few times!  I'm no doctor here and don't know why you are having palpitations (even if that is what you're having), but from advice on this forum and from my cardiologist because I have PVCs, things to be avoided for PVCs and PACs (palpitations) are smoking, alcohol and CAFFEINE!
I think you need to break out the decaf and make sure the dog gets fed for a few more years at least!
I remember before I having palpitations real bad, I drank regular coffee and had a big piece of chocolate cake for breakfast.  Needless to say, at 9:30 a.m. I was scurrying around like a chicken with my head cut off with my heart flopping all around!  I didn't even think of the caffeine in the chocolate cake.  I avoid these things now.  Well, I have numerous German friends, so I do have them bring me chocolate from Germany!  I will never give up my chocolate, but I have very very small pieces!  Yes, I have will power to have such small pieces.  If you MUST have these things, do small amounts!
I hope everything works out for you.  Keep a good sense of humor!  Also, yes you have the secret heartshake, so you are part of the club!
Denise