Audible Heartbeat

[topher280]

Sometimes when my heart is beating fast, I can hear it externally, coming from my throat.  It's a clicking sound, that's loud enough for someone next to me to hear in a quiet room.  I can even hear it when my mouth is closed.  Is this normal?  I ask because sometimes I feel what might be a flutter or palpitation, but nothing dramatic.  Thanks.

[topher280]

thanks for the reply.  I'm from NJ too!  I'm not too worried since it has only happened a few times.  I do sometimes have sharp chest pains that last a few seconds, but I don't think it's beyond normal, and they usually seem do have to do with breathing in deep.  I'm out of shape, so it's hard to say about the shortness of breath.  

When the clicking sound happened the other day, I'd say my pulse was around 100, and lasted for about 2 minutes.  It happened after doing the equivalent of 10 jumping jacks or so.

thanks again for the comment.  I'm only going to be worried or get myself checked out if this clicking thing is a straightforward sign of something particular.

[Jerry_NJ]

In my limited experience/reading I'd say it is not normal.  That said, I do sometimes hear my HB when lying down, in bed.  My wife has said for many years, long before I developed atrial fibrillation, that she could feel my HB (sometimes) when lying beside me in bed... that is during close contact and quiet times.  I've never had anyone tell me they can hear my HB simply by standing next to me.  So, that's how I say it is not normal.  Others may disagree.

The question is do you have any heart problem symptoms: shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, chest  or other body pains... I can't come up with the full list.  You also didn't say what "fast" is, if under 100 bpm at rest it may not be a problem, if over it may be a tachycardia problem.  Flutter and palpitations could be driven by atrial problems that could cause clot risks, i.e., need attention.  

Have you been examined by a doctor?