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If you’ve ever sensed your heart’s rhythm, like after a strenuous activity or when checking your pulse, you may be familiar. But occasionally, people experience a less common phenomenon – hearing the sound of their own heartbeat in their ears. Known as “pulsatile tinnitus” in Latin, this isn’t always indicative of a medical concern. However, according to Novant Health interventional cardiologist Dr. Frederick James Meine, it may still justify a discussion with your physician.
Most individuals at some point, most frequently when lying on their side, experience hearing their heartbeat in their ears, says Dr. Meine.
Dr. Meine suggests the usual factors behind this condition are ear-related issues such as wax buildup, fluid in the ear, or other hearing complications. The most common culprit is Eustachian tube dysfunction which often arises due to allergies, adds TPMG Grafton Family Medicine family physician Dr. Jesus Lizarzaburu. The Eustachian tube links the middle ear to the back of your nose, and a blockage can cause your heartbeat sounds to reverberate in your ears.
In rarer cases, medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, diuretics, chemotherapy medications, aspirin, certain antidepressants, and antivirals can cause tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing in the ears in rhythm with the heartbeat. Extremely uncommon causes can include an aneurysm or a vascular tumor.
Dr. Meine advises seeking medical attention if one experiences this. A comprehensive physical examination, including a blood pressure check and carotid arteries examination in the neck, is crucial for assessing overall cardiovascular health. If the condition occurs intermittently, it likely isn’t a major cause for worry. However, persistent or new onset of the condition calls for a detailed history and physical examination.
Colors>From a cardiovascular perspective, it’s vital to rule out any cardiovascular problems if someone is experiencing pulsatile tinnitus. The patient should also be checked for blockage or narrowing of the neck arteries that could contribute to louder heart sounds in the ears and head. Dr. Meine emphasizes that it’s normal to occasionally hear our heartbeats in our heads and ears, especially when exercising.
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