pulsatile tinnitus

[Frootbat]

Hi I am posting here as have posted a lot about my a fib which thankfully has not happened for a few months now. Was feeling very happy about that until last week when pulsatile tinnitus began. I am hoping to find solace by hearing that others have it and are still alive. I know it’s telling me I have atheroma which I know too well anyway but it’s like a ticking time bomb. I am worried about my carotids. I’m on all the meds including anticoags. Am seeing my arrhythmia consultant next month but feel I should have a Doppler asap. Help!

[BobD Volunteer]

If you have AF then this is a common side effect. I've had it probably fifteen years and no noted problems with carotids. Dont assume.

[Frootbat in reply to BobD]

Thank you for replying. I will try and get it checked out as it’s a sudden and new symptom.

[KiwiBlake]

I can "hear" my heart beat, when standing or sitting quietly, or laying in bed. I therefore know immediately if I go into AFib, and then find it very disconcerting listening to my heart jumping around erratically. On the positive side, when I'm in normal sinus rhythm, which I am since my 2nd ablation, I find hearing my heart beat chugging along nice and steady very comforting. Laying in bed at night listening to my heart pumping evenly relaxes me and I drift off to sleep easily, almost like meditation.

[Kicker113640 in reply to KiwiBlake]

wow, I need to find this way of thinking. Mine is more like a high pitch pulsing, and somewhere in my head area (not necessarily near one of my ears, hard to explain). Anyway, had it for 2 years (live in Canada), and no scans have given me answers, so far. I need not to be scared.. of the sound.. still trying . thanks for sharing./

[KiwiBlake in reply to Kicker113640]

Hi Kicker. Mine is a low da-thud. I thought it was normal- I've had it my whole life. Like on thriller movie, they often have a low frequency heart beat in the background when the movie gets to a scary bit. Mines definitely not high pitched. The other thing I notice is that if I plug my ears with a finger, I can't hear my heartbeat, just a muffled noise like I'm under water.

[Peony4575]

I have had PT for years before AF . Mine was actually caused by medication . It’s more common than you think . There are lots of possible reasons for it

[OzJames]

I have tried a technique my wife read from a Chinese acupuncturist. . It’s a location on your left ring fingernail. As you look at your nail it is the bottom left hand corner. I applied pressure on that spot for 3 minutes and bingo the tapping pulsing stopped in my ear. Keep breathing and relax whilst doing it

[Herbie30]

Yes, I developed tinnitus after about a year of taking Bisoprolol. It disappeared within 48 hours of moving from Bisoprolol to Diltiazem. Fortunately it hasn’t returned.

[Ppiman]

I am sure that pulsatile tinnitus is not by ny means at all necessarily connected with atheroma or blocked carotid arteries. From your post, I am thinking that you have got yourself in am anxious state for no reason. I have done the same at times, so sympathise fully. That kind of tinnitus (and I have both with the ringing one permanent) can be really difficult to cope with but bringing unnecessary fear into the mix makes it far worse, unnecessarily. I would ask your doctor to confirm what I have come to believe, that is, what I have written above, for I am fairly certain that you are safe and sound and needn't be living in the fear you currently feel.

Steve

[AVNA]

Yes, it’s annoying especially when on arrhythmia, irregular heart rate, but it would NOT kill you.😀 I’m dealing with it for 15 years before AF arrived and I’m used to it. Relaxing when regular and soft. Mine is due to carotid calcification.

[secondtry]

Firstly, I have found PT helpful in letting me know without testing if I am in AF.

Secondly, the jury is still out on the cause of PT, if just one cause. I found my start coincided with high anxiety around the time (as I recall as 11+ yrs ago) when first diagnosed with AF.

Thirdly, I found the best way to deal with it is just to keep active and engaged elsewhere. I still have it but it no longer causes me any concern.

Hope something there helps.

[kkatz]

I have had PT for many many years.When I had blocked carotid and when I didn't (scanned 2 years ago) when paroxysmal,,when persistent,when in Nsr after ablation.Can't say worse in any particular situation .Very annoying even stressful at times but never worried too much about it.It is interesting to listen to if you are interested in how your heart is beating.

I am not sure what causes it.

So don't know what to suggest.