Hearing your heartbeat occasionally is typically normal.
For example, it can happen during a medical check-up or after intense physical activity.
However, some individuals notice their heartbeat regularly, particularly when lying on a pillow.
According to medical professionals, this could be a cause for further investigation.
Dr. Anthony Youn, a Detroit-based physician widely known for his viral TikTok advice on topics like skincare, weight loss, and pregnancy, recently addressed this issue.
He explained in a video: “If, every once in a while, you’re lying on your side and you hear your heart beating, it’s most likely your carotid artery basically sitting against your pillow.”
However, Dr. Youn emphasized that consistently hearing your heartbeat – whether lying down or even while standing – could indicate a condition known as pulsatile tinnitus.
Penn Medicine defines pulsatile tinnitus as a variant of tinnitus, a condition characterized by the perception of sound without an external source.
While tinnitus is often associated with a constant buzzing or ringing noise, pulsatile tinnitus presents as a rhythmic sound resembling a heartbeat.
Some individuals describe this sensation vividly.
A patient, speaking to the New York Post, likened it to ‘a washing machine in a spin cycle and a vacuum.’
Dr. Youn noted that pulsatile tinnitus is not the sole reason for hearing your heartbeat on a pillow.
Other potential causes include ear blockages, high blood pressure, or narrowed blood vessels in the head and neck.
Additional factors could involve an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, benign head or neck tumors, anemia, or pregnancy, all of which can affect heart function and blood flow.
For those experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, Penn Medicine recommends consulting a general practitioner (GP) to explore potential tests and treatments.
Dr. Youn advised: “Although it’s usually benign, there are some potentially concerning causes, so it’s best to see your doctor.”
In response to Dr. Youn’s TikTok post, many viewers shared their experiences.
One commenter remarked: “Sooo I’ve been jamming out to this my whole life… it’s not just me!!”
Another shared: “I had this for a few months. Thought my life was over because it was soooo annoying! Couldn’t sit in silence. It went away on its own.”
While some cases may resolve independently, medical evaluation remains essential to rule out serious underlying conditions.
