Re: Heart Palpitations

Posted By Thomas on July 31, 1999 at 17:11:00
I am a healthy (slightly out of shape) 33yr. old male who experiences heart palpitations about once a month.  Recently, having had no physical exertion, I chugged a glass of cold O.J. after having had one cup of coffee.  I felt a pronounced "flum-flump" of my heart followed by an increased rate. I could see the fabric of my t-shirt vibrating to the beat.  This increased rate continued for about 15-20min. followed by a 2hr. calming period before completely returning to normal rate. My normal rate was instantaneously establish while, driving my car, I espied an exceptional female pedestrian. Please excuse my voyeurism, as I had been having an extremely tense morning, this led me to believe that mental tension could have led to my palpitaions. Are these normal physical fluctuations, or something to worry about? By the way, I stopped drinking coffee.

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on August 02, 1999 at 08:58:43
Dear Thomas
Mental tension could have triggered the palpitations. Stopping the coffee is a good idea. I think that you should be evaluated for arrhythmia, especially if it occurs again.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. 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.











Follow Ups: