A doctor has issued an important warning about hearing your heartbeat when lying down, cautioning that while it may seem normal in some cases, it could also indicate underlying health conditions that require medical attention.
Typically, lying down to sleep is a time for relaxation—your breathing slows, your muscles loosen, and your heart rate decreases. Hearing your heartbeat during this time can be a normal bodily function, especially after physical activity or during medical exams. However, healthcare professionals warn that if you consistently notice this sound, it could be a sign of something more serious.
What Hearing Your Heartbeat May Indicate
Dr. Anthony Youn, a Detroit-based physician known for sharing health advice on TikTok, addressed this issue in a recent video. He described hearing a rhythmic thudding when your head hits the pillow, comparing it to “a little person inside your pillow with the bass turned up too loud.”
Dr. Youn explained that hearing your heartbeat occasionally while lying down is usually normal. If you’re lying on your side and hear your heart beating, it might simply be the carotid artery, a vital blood vessel near your neck, sitting against your pillow. This can amplify the sound of blood flow.
However, he cautioned that if the heartbeat sound persists consistently, regardless of your position, it could be a sign of a condition known as pulsatile tinnitus.
Source: Freepik
Understanding Pulsatile Tinnitus
According to Penn Medicine, pulsatile tinnitus is a form of tinnitus characterized by rhythmic sounds that resemble a heartbeat, heard without any external source. This condition may produce noise in your head, ears, or both. While pulsatile tinnitus is often benign, Dr. Youn emphasized the importance of consulting a healthcare provider to rule out more serious health conditions.
Potential Causes of Pulsatile Tinnitus
Several underlying health issues could cause you to hear your heartbeat while lying down, including:
- High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure can amplify the sound of blood flow in your ears.
- Atherosclerosis: This hardening of the arteries can cause irregular blood flow, producing a pulsating sound.
- Anemia or Pregnancy: Both conditions can increase blood flow, making the heartbeat sound more noticeable.
- Tumors: Rarely, pulsatile tinnitus could indicate vascular tumors near the ear or neck.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While Dr. Youn reassured his audience that pulsatile tinnitus is generally harmless, he advised seeking medical evaluation if the sensation occurs frequently or persists. A healthcare provider can help identify the root cause and prevent potential complications.
Takeaway: If you find yourself hearing your heartbeat consistently while lying down, it may be time to consult a doctor, especially if other symptoms accompany it.
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