As an expert in the field of cardiovascular health and auditory phenomena, I would like to address your concern about feeling your heart beating in your head. This sensation can be quite disconcerting, but understanding the possible causes and mechanisms behind it can help alleviate some of the worry.
When you feel your heart beating in your head, it could be a manifestation of a condition known as pulsatile tinnitus. This is a type of tinnitus where you perceive a rhythmic thumping or whooshing sound that is often synchronized with your heartbeat. It's important to note that this sound is not something that others can hear, making it a unique and personal experience.

### Possible Causes


1. Conductive Hearing Loss: This is a type of hearing loss that can amplify the sounds that are generated within your head. When you have conductive hearing loss, the normal pathways for sound to exit your ears are obstructed or impaired. As a result, sounds like your breathing, chewing, and the blood flow through the ear become more noticeable. This can lead to the perception of your heartbeat as a sound within your head.


2. Increased Blood Flow: Conditions that increase blood flow, such as anemia or pregnancy, can also cause pulsatile tinnitus. The increased volume of blood being pumped through the arteries can create a whooshing sound that is perceived as part of the tinnitus.


3. Turbinates Enlargement: The turbinates are structures within the nasal passages that can become enlarged due to various reasons, including allergies or chronic sinusitis. When they are swollen, they can obstruct the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose. This obstruction can lead to increased pressure in the middle ear and the sensation of your heart beating in your head.


4. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Dysfunction of the Eustachian tubes can also result in a feeling of pulsatile tinnitus. The Eustachian tubes are responsible for equalizing the pressure in the middle ear. If they are not functioning properly, it can lead to a buildup of pressure that can cause the sensation of your heartbeat in your head.


5. Vascular Anomalies: Certain vascular conditions, such as arteriovenous malformations or aneurysms, can cause pulsatile tinnitus. These anomalies can lead to turbulent blood flow, which can be heard as a rhythmic sound.


6. Meniere's Disease: This is an inner ear disorder that can affect hearing and balance, and it can sometimes manifest as pulsatile tinnitus.

7.
Medication Side Effects: Some medications, particularly those that affect blood pressure or heart rate, can cause or exacerbate pulsatile tinnitus.

8.
Cervical Venous Stenosis: This is a narrowing of the veins in the neck, which can lead to increased pressure and the perception of pulsatile tinnitus.

### Diagnostic Approach

If you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. They may perform a physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and conduct various tests, including:

- Audiometry: To assess your hearing ability.
- Blood Tests: To check for conditions like anemia.
- Imaging Studies: Such as MRI or CT scans to look for vascular anomalies or structural issues.
- Cardiac Evaluation: To rule out heart-related causes.

### Treatment Options

Treatment for pulsatile tinnitus depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

- Addressing the Underlying Cause: If it's due to a condition like anemia, treating the anemia can help alleviate the tinnitus.
- Medications: Certain medications can help manage the symptoms or address the cause.
- Surgical Intervention: In cases of vascular anomalies, surgery may be necessary.
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress, avoiding caffeine, and ensuring a quiet environment can help manage the symptoms.

### Conclusion

Feeling your heart beat in your head can be a symptom of pulsatile tinnitus, which has various potential causes. It's crucial to seek medical advice to determine the specific cause and appropriate treatment for your situation. Remember, while it can be concerning, many people with pulsatile tinnitus find ways to manage the condition effectively.

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What you have may be --pulsatile tinnitus--; a rhythmic thumping or whooshing that only you can hear, often in time with your heartbeat. Possible causes: Conductive hearing loss: a type of hearing loss that intensifies internal head noises -- sounds such as breathing, chewing, and blood flowing through the ear.read more >>