Thump...thump..thump

December 29, 2008 12:04 PM

Weird Body-Filter: Two days ago I started to become abnormally aware of my own heartbeat.

The beat is not arrhythmic or particularly rapid, or abnormal at all, really, except for all of a sudden I perceive it to be much stronger. I have had random exertion-related palpitations in the past, but they usually subside with a few deep breaths. Potentially related: beforehand, on the day this started, I exercised my chest (bench press, flys, dips).

Other than this I am a healthy, reasonably-in-shape 23 year old male. What is going on?

posted by downing street memo to Health & Fitness (12 answers total)

This is your heart you're talking about. Go see a doctor.
posted by nitsuj at 12:14 PM on December 29, 2008

Response by poster: I have an appointment for tomorrow, but I'm still extremely nervous about it (which may be part of the problem).
posted by downing street memo at 12:39 PM on December 29, 2008

I've had this in the past. It's almost like my brain radio has suddenly tuned in to Station Heartbeat. But never for a couple of days. Again, go see a doctor.
posted by Solomon at 12:46 PM on December 29, 2008

Once you start to hear it, it's hard to ignore. Have you tried distracting yourself? I have a feeling you are giving yourself an anxiety attack over this.
posted by The Light Fantastic at 1:16 PM on December 29, 2008

I don't see why this inherently has to be a worrisome issue. Your heart is sitting in your chest, thumping around all of the time. It doesn't take a lot of concentration to become aware of that. Some people do it as part of meditation. Although, it's also one of the vague symptoms of anxiety problems, and sure, it's can be a symptom of a real problem as well.

I had my heart checked out too with similar worries. I started becoming aware of my heartbeat back when I was a ball of nerves, and I lost sleep over it. Not to mention that the nervousness exacerbated the condition. But, as it turns out my heart is quite healthy, and some people tend to be aware of their own heartbeat.

It's good you're going to the doctor, so you can rule out any real problems. Angsting about it is not helping you, however.
posted by Coatlicue at 1:26 PM on December 29, 2008

Response by poster: I've often suspected that I have an anxiety issue so I'll bring that up with the doc as well. Anxiety is definitely playing a role here, but I'm not sure whether it's the cause of the problem of a symptom of it. Guess that's for the medical professionals to decide.
posted by downing street memo at 1:35 PM on December 29, 2008

this is normal, i know many people who can hear their own heartbeat. the doctor will not prescribe you anything, just another random part of life. Also this comes and goes like many things in a body eg. twitches (also completely normal).
posted by figTree at 1:49 PM on December 29, 2008

hearing your heart is normal, lots of palpitations are normal as well - its just when they can frequent (more than a few a minute) that they apparently are signs of something more serious. So go see a doctor for sure, but its likely that he will call it normal, so dont overstress yourself yet.
posted by figTree at 1:55 PM on December 29, 2008

Craig: I can hear my heart beating.
Smokey: Fool! That's what its supposed to do!

JK
But seriously, if you have been obsessing over it, its just going to become more noticeable. If you are truly worried, the doctor should be able to help you out.
posted by anansi at 2:09 PM on December 29, 2008

As noted, it's normal. I just want to add the change, if any, may be in your ears rather than your heart. So chillax and enjoy the rhythm.

I vow to not use the word "chillax" in 2009.
posted by chairface at 2:30 PM on December 29, 2008

It's probably nothing to worry about, but I think it's a good idea that you are going to get it check with a doctor.

I can occasionally feel my heart a lot more that usual too, but I know that there is nothing wrong with me (I had it checked too), so I figured in the end it is probaby stress related. When it happens, I just try to ignore it and it goes away without me noticing it.

I also take a magnesium supplement when it bothers me, as a deficiency can cause an irregular heart beat. It also helps with anxiety (it supports a healthy nerve function), as well as with muscle tension and cramps (which I suffer from time to time too).
There are numerous articles on the internet about the benefits of magnesium, have a look (this one for example).

Good luck!
posted by jp021272 at 3:05 PM on December 29, 2008

Could you be a little dehydrated? (working out, salty holiday treats or alcohol consumption?) I find that my heartbeat seems somehow stronger, more thumpy, when I'm too thirsty. Down a liter of water and see if that helps.
posted by oceanmorning at 10:54 PM on December 30, 2008