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What Causes One To Hear Heartbeat While Sleeping?

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Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016
Question: I just asked the doctor about a audible heartbeat He explained it is normal when lying on your side. Bit I can hear it while on my back and sitting up. Mostly at night
YYYY@ YYYY.net
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms do not seem to be related to any cardiac disorders.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern and would explain that it is quite normal to feel the heartbeat when lying down.

This is more common in thin persons or sensitive ones.

Do you suffer from high blood pressure? This could also lead to more audible heartbeat. Chronic anemia could also lead to more audible heartbeats.

If this problem is disturbing for you, and you have not noticed this before, I would recommend consulting with a cardiologist for a careful physical exam and some tests:

- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound to examine your cardiac function and structure.
- a chest X ray study
- blood lab tests (complete blood count for anemia, blood electrolytes, thyroid hormone levels).

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 hours later)
Thank you for your reply. I do feel my heartbeat but also hear it as if it were a mild rythym throb from a distant motor or fan.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

As I explained you above, feeling the heart beats is not commonly considered a pathological finding, especially in a quiet environment such as when lying at night.

It may be related to a certain hemodynamic condition (hyperdynamic state, hypertension, anemia), but may also rarely reflect increased thyroid function, certain cardiac valve or aorta disorders, as well as increased perception of heart beating in certain sensitive individuals.

I recommend performing the above mentioned medical tests for a better understanding of that feeling.

You have to discuss with your attending physician.

Regards,

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9536 Questions

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What Causes One To Hear Heartbeat While Sleeping?

Brief Answer: Your symptoms do not seem to be related to any cardiac disorders. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! I understand your concern and would explain that it is quite normal to feel the heartbeat when lying down. This is more common in thin persons or sensitive ones. Do you suffer from high blood pressure? This could also lead to more audible heartbeat. Chronic anemia could also lead to more audible heartbeats. If this problem is disturbing for you, and you have not noticed this before, I would recommend consulting with a cardiologist for a careful physical exam and some tests: - a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound to examine your cardiac function and structure. - a chest X ray study - blood lab tests (complete blood count for anemia, blood electrolytes, thyroid hormone levels). Hope you will find this answer helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri