Post-Meal Rapid Heartbeat and Dizziness: Your Symptoms

Experiencing a rapid heartbeat and dizziness after eating?

Hello Doctor: I am 19 years old, do not have hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, but I have thalassemia and am underweight.
Last week, I was diagnosed and have had little appetite; I often start feeling full after eating just a little and sometimes experience dizziness and discomfort.
I measured my blood oxygen levels with a newly purchased medical pulse oximeter and found my oxygen levels to be normal, but my heart rate was around 110 bpm.
After resting for half an hour to an hour, my heart rate returns to normal.
It has been 7 days since I completed isolation, and other symptoms have improved, but this issue still occurs after every meal.
I read that a normal heart rate is between 60-100 bpm, and I understand that heart rate can increase after eating, but I am unsure if a heart rate exceeding normal levels accompanied by dizziness is a serious problem.
Additionally, I noticed that my heart rate slows down to around 50-55 bpm before sleep, but I do not feel particularly unwell; should I be concerned about this? I also experience chest tightness and pain when under stress or feeling anxious.
Before my diagnosis, I had an electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray, and the doctor said there were no structural issues.
However, I feel that this condition has worsened since my diagnosis; should I get re-evaluated? Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions.

Alice, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/18

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, after being diagnosed, it is common to experience heart rhythm issues, which can be monitored initially.
If discomfort persists, you should visit a cardiology clinic for further evaluation.
A heart rate of 50 to 55 beats per minute before sleep is considered normal; monitoring is sufficient.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2022/10/18

More Info

Your symptoms of post-meal rapid heartbeat and dizziness, especially in the context of your recent COVID-19 diagnosis and underlying Mediterranean anemia, warrant careful consideration. At 19 years old, you are generally at a lower risk for serious heart conditions, but your symptoms indicate that there may be several factors at play.

Firstly, it is important to understand that after eating, it is normal for your heart rate to increase. This is due to the body's need to direct more blood to the digestive system to aid in the digestion of food. However, a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute (tachycardia) can be concerning, especially if accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness. The fact that your heart rate returns to normal after resting is a positive sign, but it does not eliminate the need for further evaluation.

Your Mediterranean anemia could contribute to your symptoms. Anemia can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, which may cause fatigue, dizziness, and increased heart rate as your body compensates for the lack of oxygen. Additionally, being underweight can also affect your overall health and energy levels, potentially exacerbating feelings of dizziness and weakness.

The dizziness you experience after meals could also be related to postprandial hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops significantly after eating. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, especially if you are already experiencing low blood pressure due to anemia. It is crucial to monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially after meals, to see if there is a significant drop.

Regarding your heart rate slowing down to 50-55 beats per minute while sleeping, this is generally considered normal for young, healthy individuals, especially if you are physically fit. However, if you experience symptoms like dizziness or fainting when your heart rate drops, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Given your history of anxiety and stress, it is also possible that your symptoms could be exacerbated by psychological factors. Anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. If you find that your symptoms worsen during stressful situations, it may be beneficial to explore stress management techniques or speak with a mental health professional.

In conclusion, while your recent heart tests showed no structural issues, the persistence of your symptoms post-COVID-19 and the context of your anemia suggest that further evaluation may be warranted. It would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider, possibly a cardiologist or a hematologist, to discuss your symptoms in detail. They may recommend additional tests, such as a Holter monitor to assess your heart rate variability over a 24-hour period, or blood tests to evaluate your anemia and overall health status.

In the meantime, consider maintaining a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins to support your anemia, staying hydrated, and managing stress through relaxation techniques. Monitoring your symptoms and keeping a diary of your heart rate, blood pressure, and any associated symptoms can also provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.

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