Do you ever feel a pulsing sensation in your upper stomach? And keep asking yourself, “Why do I feel a heartbeat in my upper stomach?”.
It can be a bit alarming to feel your heartbeat in an area where it’s not typically felt. The good news is that this is often a normal bodily function and not a cause for concern.
One reason you might feel a heartbeat in your upper stomach is due to increased blood flow to the area.
When you eat, your body sends extra blood to your stomach and intestines to aid in digestion.
This temporary surge of blood can create a more pronounced pulse in your upper stomach.
Additionally, lying down and raising your knees can also cause you to feel a pulse in this area.
Why Do I Feel A Heartbeat In My Upper Stomach?
If you’re feeling a heartbeat in your upper stomach, it can be a cause for concern. There are several possible causes for this sensation, including:
Digestive Issues
One possible cause of feeling a heartbeat in your upper stomach is related to digestive issues.
When you eat, your stomach and intestines need more blood supply to help with digestion.
This increased blood flow can cause a pulsing sensation in your stomach. Some digestive issues that can cause this sensation include:
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Bloating
- Constipation
If you’re experiencing any of these digestive issues along with the pulsing sensation in your stomach, it’s important to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Cardiovascular Issues
Another possible cause of feeling a heartbeat in your upper stomach is related to cardiovascular issues.
The aorta, which is the largest artery in the body, runs through the stomach area.
If there is an issue with the aorta, such as an aneurysm or blockage, it can cause a pulsing sensation in the stomach. Other cardiovascular issues that can cause this sensation include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Arrhythmia
- Heart valve problems
If you’re experiencing any of these cardiovascular issues along with the pulsing sensation in your stomach, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
Pregnancy
For pregnant women, feeling a heartbeat in the upper stomach is a common occurrence.
As the uterus expands and the baby grows, it can put pressure on the blood vessels in the abdomen, causing a pulsing sensation.
This is usually not a cause for concern and is a normal part of pregnancy.
However, if you’re experiencing any other symptoms along with the pulsing sensation, such as severe abdominal pain or bleeding, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out any complications.
Symptoms
Heartbeat Sensations
Feeling a heartbeat in your upper stomach can be a concerning symptom. It may feel like your stomach is pulsating, fluttering, or pounding.
You may also feel a throbbing sensation in your abdomen. These sensations can be caused by the increased blood flow through your abdominal aorta.
It’s important to note that feeling a pulse in your stomach is not always a cause for concern.
In fact, it’s common to feel a pulse in your stomach after eating or when lying down.
However, if you experience a persistent or strong pulse in your stomach, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Other Symptoms
Along with the heartbeat sensations, you may experience other symptoms that could indicate a more serious issue. These symptoms include:
- Intense or persistent abdominal pain
- Back pain that radiates down to your buttocks and legs
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness
If you experience any of these symptoms along with a pulse in your stomach, seek medical attention immediately.
These symptoms could be a sign of a serious condition, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing a pulsing sensation in your upper stomach, it is important to seek medical attention.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Physical Exam
During a physical exam, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
They will also perform a physical exam to check for any abnormalities in your abdomen.
Your doctor may use a stethoscope to listen to your abdomen for any abnormal sounds or a pulsing sensation.
Diagnostic Tests
Your doctor may order diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your pulsing sensation in your upper stomach. These tests may include:
- Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check for any abnormalities in your blood, such as anemia or infection.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your abdominal organs. This test can help your doctor identify any abnormalities in your abdomen, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- CT scan: A CT scan uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of your abdominal organs. This test can help your doctor identify any abnormalities in your abdomen, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- MRI: An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your abdominal organs. This test can help your doctor identify any abnormalities in your abdomen, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted through your mouth or anus to examine your digestive tract. This test can help your doctor identify any abnormalities in your digestive tract that may be causing your symptoms.
Treatment
If you are experiencing a pulse in your upper stomach, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options will vary depending on the diagnosis.
Lifestyle Changes
For some individuals, lifestyle changes may be recommended to alleviate symptoms. These changes may include:
- Reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
- Losing weight if you are overweight
- Quitting smoking
- Modifying your diet to include more fiber and less fatty foods
- Exercising regularly
Medications
If lifestyle changes are not enough to alleviate symptoms, medications may be prescribed. These may include:
- Antacids to reduce stomach acid production
- Proton pump inhibitors to block acid production
- H2 blockers to reduce acid production
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of the pulse in your upper stomach.
This may include surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm or to remove a tumor. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you and help you make an informed decision.
When To See A Doctor
Feeling a pulse in your upper stomach can be concerning, but it is usually nothing to worry about.
However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting or near fainting
- Chest pain or discomfort
These symptoms can be signs of a more serious condition such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm or a heart condition.
If you have a pulse in your stomach and experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.
It is also important to see a doctor if you have frequent or persistent heart palpitations or if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
Your doctor may perform tests to determine the underlying cause of your palpitations and develop a treatment plan.
If you have a history of heart disease or other medical conditions, it is important to talk to your doctor about any new or unusual symptoms you experience, including a pulse in your upper stomach.
Your doctor can help determine if any further evaluation or treatment is necessary.
Key Takeaways
Feeling a pulse in your upper stomach can be alarming, but it’s usually not a cause for concern. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Feeling a pulse in your stomach is usually due to increased blood flow through your abdominal aorta.
- You may feel a pulse in your stomach after eating, lying down, or raising your knees.
- Feeling a pulse in your stomach can be a normal sensation, especially during pregnancy or after eating.
- If you experience other symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, or if the pulse in your stomach is very strong or persistent, you should talk to your doctor.
- If you are concerned about your heart health, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Remember, feeling a pulse in your stomach is usually not a cause for concern, but it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or if you experience other symptoms.