is this normal

I am very neurotoc about my health (but that belongs on another forum) anyway the latest is I am worrying myself sick cos I can feel a strong pulse just abive my naval. Is this normal-I g@ogled pulse points and this didn't come up. I don't feel one on my husband but then he has quite a bit more 'padding' than me as he is fatter

[ireneo]

I'd say it isn't unusual. When I was younger everyone could see my abdomen bounce up and down with my pulse. The doctors seemed to like that. Then again, I was a lot thinner. Still, I can see my pulse in my tummy when I lie down, I can feel it throb sometimes too, especially if I'm retaining fluid. I've had an echo to check my abdominal artery. It was fine. You can ask your doctor the next time you're in, see if s/he thinks your pulse is unusual.

[Jerry_NJ]

The rhythm and rate are more important attributes.  If at rest you pulse rate is 70 or lower and if it is regular, no jumping in the period between pulses, your heart is in my view.  

I can't find my pulse on my wrist, or neck...but then I have AFib and the pulse is jumbled and less distinct than (even when I have) sinus rhythm.

ireneo's suggestion and input looks to be right on the "mark".

[thesteven]

just above your navel is where the aorta branches off into the common iliac arteries.  dont know whats causing your symptoms, but you should go see a doc and put your mind at ease.  that is a common spot for atherosclerosis.

[yarrow]

If you're thin, your pulse at the place you describe will be more visible than it is in, as you put it, people with more padding.  When I'm in 'lean' mode, my pulse there is much more obvious, too.  In the absence of cardiac tests indicating several risk factors for bad things, you're describing a normal finding.

You mention that you're neurotic about your health.  That shows remarkable self-awareness.  To be sure that you're not backing yourself into a corner over consciousness of your heartbeat, please google 'cardiac neurosis' or do a search for it at MedHelp.  It is a serious thing to deal with.

[bbxx]

I feel my pulse there also--quite strongly--I am thin--and I think its just body type. I attribute it to not having muscle since I have been unablet to exercise. Most  people dont notice every tiny thing about there body. Some of us do. So, yes--I have that too.