Winton Eliott
It’s not unusual to feel your heart beating in your head. It’s more of a fluttering or palpitation sensation in the head, similar to a typical headache.
So, when should you be concerned?
Is it normal to feel your heartbeat in your head?
Yes, it is perfectly normal to from time to time feel your heartbeat in your head. In most cases, this sensation is due to a harmless condition known as benign positional vertigo.
This occurs when tiny crystals of calcium become dislodged in the canals of your inner ear.
These crystals then collide with hair-like sensors that help you keep your balance, causing a false sensation that you are moving or that your surroundings are spinning.
While benign positional vertigo can be alarming, it is not dangerous and will typically go away on its own within a few days.
If the sensation persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness or ringing in the ears, it is important to see a doctor as these could be signs of a more serious condition.
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Why do I feel my heart beating in my head?
There are a few reasons you may feel your heart beating in your head.
Stress and anxiety
The experience of stress and anxiety is physical as well as mental. When you’re anxious, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode.
This means that your heart rate and blood pressure increase and you breathe faster.
These physical changes can sometimes cause a sensation of your heart beating in your head. While this can be frightening, it’s important to remember that it’s not dangerous.
It’s your body’s natural response to stress, and it will subside once the stressor is gone.
Overactive thyroid
An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, can cause a rapid heart rate. This can lead to the sensation of your heart beating in your head, as well as other symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and weight loss.
If you suspect you have an overactive thyroid, it’s important to see a doctor so that they can run tests and prescribe treatment if necessary.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues.
This can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat.
Anemia can also lead to the sensation of your heart beating in your head.
If you think you might be anemic, it’s important to see a doctor so that they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your heart rate increases as your body work harder to pump blood to your growing baby.
This can sometimes cause the sensation of your heart beating in your head. If you’re pregnant and experiencing this symptom, there’s no cause for alarm.
However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.
A heart condition
There are a few heart conditions that can cause the sensation of your heart beating in your head.
These include arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a thickening of the heart muscle).
If you have a heart condition, it’s important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and how to best manage them.
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When you should see a doctor?
In most cases, the sensation of your heart beating in your head is harmless and will go away on its own. However, there are a few red flags that warrant a trip to the doctor.
If you’re experiencing the sensation of your heart beating in your head along with other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, it’s important to seek medical attention as these could be signs of a more serious condition.
If the sensation is accompanied by severe headaches or dizziness, it’s also a good idea to see a doctor. These could be signs of a condition like an aneurysm or tumor.
Lastly, if you have any concerns about the sensation of your heart beating in your head, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide reassurance.
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Final words
The sensation of your heart beating in your head is usually harmless and will go away on its own.
However, if the sensation is accompanied by other symptoms or is severe, it’s important to see a doctor. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide reassurance.
If you’re experiencing the sensation of your heart beating in your head and are concerned, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor.
They can help you determine if there’s an underlying cause and provide guidance on how to best manage your symptoms.
