Feeling your heartbeat in your head, especially when you are lying down, can be a peculiar sensation. It’s a question that often arises: “Why Can I Feel My Heartbeat In My Head?” This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon, helping you understand when it’s normal and when it might warrant a conversation with your doctor.
What is That Pulsing Sensation?
The pulse you feel above your ear is most likely from your temporal artery. This artery runs in front of and then above your ear, and it’s perfectly normal to sometimes feel its pulsations. Interestingly, this artery is rarely affected by atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque that causes blockages in other arteries, including those involved in heart bypass surgeries. So, if you’ve had bypass surgery, you don’t need to worry about this pulsing being related to the same kind of arterial blockage.
Common Reasons for Feeling Your Heartbeat in Your Head
Many people experience this sensation occasionally, and it’s often benign. Here are a few common reasons why you might be feeling your heartbeat in your head:
Heightened Awareness: Individuals with heart conditions, like those with high blood pressure or a history of heart issues, tend to be more attuned to their heartbeats. In quiet environments, especially at night when lying down, the pressure of your head against the pillow can make the temporal artery’s pulse more noticeable. It’s similar to how you might hear your own breathing more clearly in a quiet room.
Normal Body Function: Feeling your pulse in the temporal artery can simply be a normal awareness of your body’s functions. Just as you might sometimes notice your breathing or your stomach rumbling, feeling your heartbeat in your head can be part of your body’s regular rhythm.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While feeling your heartbeat in your head is often normal, there are instances where it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Rare Blood Vessel Malformations: In rare cases, a noticeable pulse in the temporal artery could indicate a blood vessel malformation. While uncommon, it’s something a doctor can rule out.
Increased Cardiac Output: Conditions that cause your heart to pump more blood with each beat can also make the temporal pulse more prominent. These conditions can include common issues like thyroid disease or anemia. If you experience other symptoms alongside the head pulsations, such as fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or feeling cold frequently, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis): Although less likely to cause a stronger pulse, it’s worth mentioning temporal arteritis. This condition is an inflammation of the temporal artery, but it typically reduces the pulse. In fact, with temporal arteritis, the pulse in the temporal artery is often difficult or impossible to feel. Symptoms of temporal arteritis are distinct and include new headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, and vision problems.
High Blood Pressure: Not the Likely Culprit
It’s a common misconception that high blood pressure causes noticeable symptoms like headaches or feeling a pulse in your head. In reality, high blood pressure is often a “silent disease.” It usually doesn’t cause any symptoms until it reaches extremely high levels. Therefore, feeling your heartbeat in your head is unlikely to be directly related to high blood pressure itself. It’s still crucial to manage high blood pressure, but for overall health reasons, not because it’s directly causing this specific sensation.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
While feeling your heartbeat in your head is frequently a normal phenomenon, it’s always wise to mention it to your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are concerned. They can provide personalized advice and rule out any rare underlying issues. Describing when you notice the pulsing, any other symptoms you’re experiencing, and your medical history will help your doctor assess the situation effectively. Peace of mind is valuable, and a quick check-up can provide reassurance or guide you toward any necessary next steps.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
