[44F] Experiencing postprandial malaise and palpitations

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Postprandial Hypotension: This is a condition where your blood pressure falls significantly after eating. Symptoms can include feeling lightheaded, tired, and having a racing heart. This condition is more common in older adults and those with certain health conditions like Parkinson's disease or diabetes.

  • Treatment often involves changes in diet and eating habits, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and limiting high-carb foods. Medications may also be prescribed by a doctor.

• Gastroparesis: This is a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. It can cause feelings of fullness, heart palpitations, and lightheadedness after eating. Gastroparesis is often found in people with diabetes, but it can also be caused by other conditions.

  • Treatment typically involves dietary changes, medications to help the stomach empty more quickly, and in severe cases, surgery.

• Dumping Syndrome: This is a group of symptoms, including heart palpitations and lightheadedness, that are likely to develop if you've had surgery to remove or bypass a significant portion of your stomach. This condition occurs when the undigested contents of your stomach move too rapidly into your small bowel.

  • Treatment typically involves changes in eating habits. Medications may be necessary in some cases.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. This can help manage symptoms of postprandial hypotension, gastroparesis, and dumping syndrome.
2. Limit high-carb foods. These can cause your blood pressure to drop after eating.
3. Stay seated or lie down after eating. This can help manage symptoms of postprandial hypotension.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If you notice any chest pain or shortness of breath
• If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms
• If you experience significant weight loss or malnutrition due to your symptoms

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is intended to be general in nature. You should seek care from a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.