Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Strongly palpable heartbeat or pulse beat

December 31, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Hello,

I am currently experiencing the issue that I can feel my heart rate very strongly in certain situations - without touching anywhere. Last week on Christmas Eve night, I noticed it in bed. Since then, I mostly experience it when I am lying somewhere quietly - almost always at night in bed. Last night I also had it when I was sitting at the computer. Even when I take big sips of water, these strong beats sometimes occur.

It's not that my heart beats irregularly or especially fast - it just beats very strongly, so much so that I can feel it throughout my body, I can even hear it in my ears when I'm in bed. However, I am also someone who pays close attention to such things and tends to worry quickly.

Just for your information: Two months ago I saw a doctor for another issue (heart palpitations) and had an EKG and a Holter monitor, both of which were normal.

Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Good morning,

It is possible that you are focusing too much on feeling your heartbeat and this is causing it to feel stronger, without there being anything pathological behind it. However, since I cannot examine you, I would recommend a 24-hour blood pressure monitoring to determine if this more noticeable heartbeat is a result of high blood pressure.

Please get yourself checked out and treated if necessary.

Do you have any questions about this? I am happy to help.

Best regards and a good start to the New Year,

Dr. K. Hamann