Doctor issues warning to anyone who can hear their heartbeat when they lie on their pillow

A doctor has warned that hearing your heartbeat regularly could be an early sign of one condition.

While occasionally hearing your heartbeat is totally normal, one expert has warned that hearing it frequently could need investigating further.

You may be able to hear it during a medical examination, or potentially after a big workout, but some people often hear their heartbeat when lying down on their pillow.

Detroit-based physician Dr. Anthony Youn, has shed light on the matter.

The expert often goes viral on TikTok for sharing his helpful advice - covering skincare, weight loss, and pregnancy.

In a recent clip, he said: "If, every once in a while, you’re lying on your side and you hear your heart beating, it’s most likely your carotid artery basically sitting against your pillow."

However, the doctor was quick to note that hearing it often, could actually be the sign of a chronic hearing condition.

Hearing your heartbeat constantly could be a sign of something underlying (Getty Stock Images)

He added: "If you’re hearing your heart beating all the time when you’re lying on your side, or especially when you’re standing up, then it could be pulsatile tinnitus."

The NHS describe the condition as a variation of tinnitus - a condition where there is a perception of sound even when there is no real source.

It usually causes an irritating and constant buzzing or ringing noise, but pulsatile tinnitus is different.

This sound has been described as rhythmical, and is heard regularly in the head and ears in the form of a heartbeat.

Talking to the New York Post, one patient described the sound as a 'washing machine in a spin cycle and a vacuum'.

However, this isn't the only reason that you may hear your heartbeat when lying on your pillow.

A doctor has issued a warning about the condition (Getty Stock Images)

A blockage in the ear could be a contributing factor, as well as having high blood pressure, narrowed veins or arteries in the head and neck, an obscured connection between arteries and veins, or benign head or neck tumours.

Anaemia and pregnancy, which can affect the heart, could also be responsible.

NHS experts also advise that, if you suspect that you're beginning to experience pulsatile tinnitus, you should speak to your GP, who will suggest tests and treatments.

"Although it’s usually benign, there are some potentially concerning causes, so it’s best to see your doctor," Dr Youn said.

One person in the comments said: "Sooo I’ve been jamming out to this my whole life…it’s not just me!!"

Another added: "I had this for a few months. Thought my life was over because it was soooo annoying! Couldn’t sit in silence. It went away on its own."