I keep being woken up by a vibrating feeling that appears to come from my heart. It's often quite strong and feels like I've got a mobile/cell phone vibrating in my chest. Has anyone else experienced this?
It wakes me up once or twice a night and appears to be more common when I'm lying on my side. My fitbit records a steady (50-60bpm) pulse while this is going on. I can usually stop the sensation by coughing or moving.
Does anyone know what this could be?
I've been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation but this feels different.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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Pikaia
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Hi Pikaia
I often have this sensation at night, less so in the day. It feels like a buzzing sometimes, or as you say, like a mobile on vibrate. As my pulse is usually quite slow when this happens, I have decided to assume I can feel the atria being crazy whilst not the ventricles, hence a modest HR. No idea if this is the case, but it means I don't fret about it. I have found it works better for me not to concentrate on symptoms too much or else I can get a bit obsessed. This sensation can last quite a while and it makes me want to thump my chest to stop it. It feels as though my heart is buzzing rather than beating, but I'm sure this is not the case. I haven't died of it yet! I don' t see why it can't just be an awareness of the top of the heart. I have LSPAF and don't take any meds for it
in reply to
hi. i have it too , some times i look to see if my cell phone is in my breast
pocket like you guys , it really has just started happening last year
I also have the same thing -- can feel pulse about 45-60bpm and if I lie on side (especially left) in bed and all is quiet outside then I can also make out a much faster rhythm (I estimate a regular 200/300bpm) at the same time. I can only feel/(?hear) these if all is quiet. Both seem to come from chest but I can easily check the pulse of 45-60 at the wrist at the same time (this slowish pulse is not regular - inter-beat time varies from 0.7 to 2sec).
I can stop it by moving onto front or back or deep breathing.
I have mentioned this to 3 highly qualified EP consultants - two have said that the fast rate must be a hearing artefact or muscle tic/twitch from some other part of the body and one just said interesting and he'd never heard of this before.
I seems to me obvious that I and you two are feeling both the ventricular beat/pulse and the atrial fibrillation/flutter (I have been diagnosed with atrial flutter and some fibrillation resulting in a slow and uneven pulse - picked up by me about 15 years ago but not by medics until it became fairly constant in the last year or so).
Age 70, no worrying palpitations or other symptoms except awareness of arrhythmia and slightly less heart-rate in reserve when I exercise.
Maybe it should be named the Pikaia Syndrome and EPs should start paying some attention.
Thanks for your reply Danny. I agree with your diagnosis of atrial flutter and ventricle pulse. I'll mention it to my EP in a few weeks and report back here. Perhaps we should start collecting data and publish a paper on it!
Glad to know I am not alone. This began with me about 14 days ago. I am 69 1/2 and work at Lowes part time (retirement gig) on the sales floor. Last week several times I caught myself checking for the department phone as I was certain it was vibrating. It was no where near the front of my work vest and often not in my vest at all. This occurred several times a day. Yesterday morning it occurred 8 times in a three hour period and I never had the department phone and my own cell was in my back pocket. I could feel the vibration with my hand and discovered that the vibration was near the center of my chest (heart region) and the vibration pattern was faster than a cell phone. I was temporarily feeling slightly light headed with each episode, though not dangerously so. After the 7th episode I promised myself I would seek medical attention if it happened again. It did and I did.
Sunday Urgent Care and then Emergency for a more detailed check. No enzyme problems and the X-Ray showed nothing. (good news) I thought with such a precise description of symptoms, a diagnosis would be simple. Arrhythmia was the answer but I still do not understand causes, cautions, recommendations, etc. I will be calling my primary today in hopes of seeing a cardiologist.
Thanks Pikaia for your post. I am glad I found this site.
Hello, all! I, too, have experienced this sensation in the last couple days (and I'm glad to have found your posts!), but mine are quite mild and last for just a second or two with no attendant pain or discomfort. Today, I've had quite a few episodes -- at least a couple dozen as of right now -- but I feel completely fine otherwise. Has anyone been diagnosed for this symptom-specific (vibrating cell phone in shirt pocket sensation) condition, and more importantly, received any medical advice? Thanks in advance!
I had my first sensation of this tonight so I looked up my symptoms and here I am. We are camping in our Sprinter RV and just laid down to go to sleep. I had this sensation that the van was vibrating until after a while I realized it was me. I got up and sat down but it didn’t stop. My stomach seemed mildly upset. I laid on my back and tried slow breathing and it eventually went away. Glad to hear it doesn’t seem serious. Sure was scary as I didn’t know what to do. I am 67, still active hiking, gardening, walking,kayaking etc.
Me too. 54 years old in good general health. Taken up golf again recently. Started getting very light telephone vibrator like vibrations in the left chest yesterday evening and some light headedness after a session of practice swings. Then vibrations again this afternoon at the village fête. Seemed to happen in rhythm to my heartbeat which is between 50-60 bpm. Also, haven’t been sleeping great the past year and have been hearing a humming noise. I’m going to see what the doctor has to say.
i am aged 52. felt similar vibrations in left armpit with heart as its centre several times today. Such vibrations are lasting for 20-30 seconds and I am in a position to hold and pinch up the body where it is happening. Initially,I mistook such vibrations from my mobile in shirt pocket only to find that my mobile is no where near my body. Now, it has become more prominent and perceptible . Such vibrations are lasting for few seconds without any kind of discomfort. I am Hypothyroid + and HTN+. Is it a precursor of something to happen. someone please help. Thanks in advance
Yes to me too - I have had this now for 2 years - this buzzing on and off all day for a second. I do a lot of sport and have a very low resting pulse. I've tried everything, the only thing that does stop the palpatations completely is to stop eating and drink only water, I also had palpatations in alignment with lower limb cramp during swimming - something I never used to get, but coincided at the same time at age 44. I've had ECG 7 day Holter test, as well as full heart scan - 2 x Cardiologist Drs plus a 3rd Professor Cardiologist as a third opinion (!) - they say everything is benign, nothing to worry about...but one does think about it from time to time specially as someone who's looked after her body so well for so long...I just don't understand it. Anyway: benign, do not get obssessed...get on with life!
Me too!! My husband just had open heart surgery so I am atributing it to anxiety! Mine has been pretty regular for a few weeks. I’m sure it’s happening during the day but I only notice it at night. It’s off and on all night! No pain, just vibrating but my pulse and bp are normal when it’s happening. I went to ER when it first happened, they did all the tests, said everything was normal.
Hey I'm 39 and been active all my life. I've had the same cell phone vibration in my chest for over 2yrs. It used to only happen when I had a lot to drink. it would wake me up, I thought the buzzing was a hangover type symptom. I started to see a cardiologist for a diffent reason. I had been feeling a pressure in and around my heart only at rest. I've gone through a EKG ECG stress test and a holt type monitor. So far every thing has looked good. My doctor is only focused on the buzzing though? I'm scheduled for a CT angiogram. At this point I don't know it's just a waist of time and money. What I do know is my vibration is triggered or made worse alcohol. I think some one else was on to something with the nerve damage. I do have an old neck injury. That makes in between my shoulder blades very tense.
Just joined but wanted to share what I found out about the vibrating feeling. I had it happen a while back but I do not feel comfortable around doctors so I asked my massage therapist and she told me it was my soas (spelling?)muscle. She did a release on it and the vibrating stopped. It just started happening again after 4 years of not. I remember what she said and did the stretching exercise and it stopped. It is not a pleasant massage but it works. Might want to try it to see if it helps.
I have the same thing happening for 3months straight now and I used to have the same racing heart and pounding after alcohol but it would wear off. Now I have it non stop but if I have alcohol it is 100 times worse and I don't sleep all night due to the pounding in the chest. What happened with your CT angiogram?
I am experiencing vibrations in my left side chest around heart. Did you get the results back from the CT
angiogram? Im very curious as to what your doctor is saying about the vibrations. I agree on " it happens when i consume alcohol ". Woke me up last night. I appreciate any information you can share. Thanks in advance.
Hi I'm 36 and had this buzzing sensation in heart a few times now. I have irregular heart beat and have done for many years but this is new for me and it shits me up. Keep thinking I'm going to into a fatal rhythm.
Has anyone associated this effect to caffeine? I ask, because I believe the mobile phone vibration sensation began for me when I started drinking coffee made from a stove-top espresso maker, which was VERY strong. After my GP doc could not provide me with a diagnosis of the symptoms, I decided to stop taking coffee from this method and voila . . . no more vibration sensations!
Interesting! I haven't made the correlation myself. My experiences with the vibration are that it usually happens while I'm in bed early morning, so I'm doubtful caffeine is the culprit in my instance.
I experience the same after drinking a cup of coffee the day before. I also have a restless night then, waking up 2-3 times but the vibrations happen after waking up in the morning. Beside the caffeine I experience vibrations when I did a strong exercise the evening before. Exercising in the morning gives me no sign or only a week vibration.
I used to drink coffee when I was younger. I never felt this mobile like vibration, not until when I drunk 2 cups of coffee at my workplace and was sent to hospital for palpitations. Since then, whenever I drink coffee, i feel the same vibration in my heart. I stopped taking coffee too, vibration still happen sometimes when I'm drinking milk tea, but I think it's not the tea, but the chocolate. I'm drinking tea and nothing happens.
Sounds like atrial flutter,which began for me when I was prescribed flecanaide for atrial fibrillation....!!! I knew it felt different to my normal 'bag of ferrets ' in the chest feeling.It has a different pattern and happens in the right side of heart,easy to spot on ecg as it has a sawtooth pattern.
Can be treated by ablation with better success than our Fib.
I am post bypass surgery in December 2 017 and have the same sensation. Last short term but does kind of worrying me. I see my cardiologist today and will ask him why . I’m glad to find others have the same sensation. I am a retired ER RN and have never heard of this before. I thought I was being a hypochondriac!
I feel a similar sensation so googled it to get some other ideas. I’m pretty sure it’s my stomach that causes it and that the humming is coming from my esophagus. I place my hand on my chest and can feel it beating at a steady rithum every time. Something to consider.
I too have vibrating, fluttering or buzzing in my chest too!. I've had an ultrasound of my heart but it showed nothing. I'm 67yrs old and this just started yesterday! Firstly two days prior to this I felt a tightening in my chest then the buzzing. Wish I knew how to make it stop
I usually feel that sensation for one to two weeks after having an episode of hypertension(150/95 or more). Doctors tell me I shouldn't think about it. I am 31 with a normal blood pressure but even few salt affects me too much.
I have this aspect similar to you. The “cell phone” Vibration started about a month ago and then I started having some headaches and checked my blood pressure and found that it was way too high, it typically is not so I have this second symptom in common with you. Wonder if anyone else also has blood pressure with this vibrating symptom. I also have a low pulse like most of the other people who have responded.
Yes I do. In the 3 months straight I have had this it is always accompanied by high BP when the racing is real bad. Pounds in my chest and head. Prior to this starting my BP was pretty good, just dropped 40lbs and was feeling great.
I just woke up with this vibrating feeling in the middle of my chest and this time it lasted a very long time. I have no shortness of breath with it. It’s strange. It feels like part of my heart is on high speed but the rest of it is normal. It’s only been happening this past year and I’m 53. Has anyone found any concrete answers for this?
I've been feeling vibration in my chest for more than five years. It almost always starts when I wake up. Sometimes it stops if I roll over but will start up again. It always stops after I've been up for a short time. It's rare for me to experience it during the day. It's usually just my chest but sometimes it feels like it's lower down in my abdomen or my whole torso. I don't always get it-- there have been long stretches when I thought it was gone. I've noticed that I don't get it when I'm on vacation, so I think it must be anxiety, not about my job specifically but just a feeling of having too much to do--my body is trying to get me up and moving. I can't think of any other explanation.
I've been having this for the last week. I was on a cardiac monitor in a&e (English ER) for one of the occasions and it indeed showed as atrial flutters. Made the nurse looking after me go a bit green with worry so I think it must have been quite a spectacular show! Now awaiting further investigations. My pulse is 40-50bpm and I am 33 years old
I am having exactly the same. I have afib and thought it could be connected. Have the docs today so will have a chat with them and see if they can enlighten me.
I have these similar symptoms. Have had off and on for over two years. Had several consultations with my cardiologist and all the tests over that time because I felt there was a problem. The doctor ignored my concern about these vibrations. Even laughed and said not possible, as I said it feels like I have two heart beats, a regular one and one that quivers. Saying all is well. Until November. Was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Now the doctor has determined these quivers are from atrial fibrillation. So his laugh was not an educated one.
The upper chambers of the heart, the atria, quiver (fibrillate) instead of fully contracting to push the blood through the heart. Research: What is Nonvalvular AFib?
Similar symptoms. Wake up with vibrating sensation in upper chest, usually while sleeping on my side. Goes away if I rollover. I tried to be very conscious of it last night before I moved. My heartbeat was normal at the wrist and chest. I started to think that if wasn’t my heart because the sensation started lower and ended near my neck. Maybe knelt is on to something with a digestive issue. My need to wake and find an anti acid at night has increased a bit with each passing year.
I have this need to get an antacid in common with you and I have a symptom of recent higher blood pressure in common with another poster this is making me wonder if there are other symptoms we all have in common like intermittent high blood pressure and/or acid reflux perhaps?
This past month I have had the exact same thing! It disrupts my sleep! When I start to relax it comes back so I have do wake all the way up to stop it. I finally get back to sleep and a couple of hours later - I vibrate awake again.
Had a holter monitor done and am waiting for results. Am going to have a sleep study some too. Very curious if anyone has a doctor that has encountered this before. Mine has not.
This has been happening to me for less than a week! I’ve had two nights where I basically stayed up all night, the first of which I went to the ER and everything looked normal to the Doctor. Last night I only got about two hours of sleep as it’s quite difficult to fall back asleep after I wake up. During the day it’s not that bad maybe a flutter here or there, but once I start resting it gets worse. I’m waiting to see a Cardiologist but it’s 2 weeks away. Did you find anything out?
Nothing really. I had a holter monitor test and it came back with small flutters when I reported the vibration (you have to keep a log). The ER doc thought it could be obstructive sleep apnea - and maybe I am stopping breathing and the vibrations are the brains way of waking me up - but he admitted it was a guess. I have been on wait list for a sleep study. My primary care doctor keeps referring to “palpitations” but i have had palpitations and this doesn’t feel like that. It literally feels like a cell phone going off in my chest cavity! On silent of course! The only way for me to stop them is to fully wake up and move around. While I am waiting for sleep study, I started to wonder if I had a pinched nerve in my spine somewhere- so am now seeing chiropractor too. Also had read on another post to try taking magnesium- so I did take some every night for about a week. My vibrations are very slight now finally and I have managed to sleep two full nights - but I didn’t sleep much for about six weeks. Long post - but nutshell is that I have no clue and neither do the doctors. I think that they think I am just crazy! Do you feel okay over all? I kept telling them I didn’t feel like anything wad actually wrong with my heart. No shortness of breath or anything. Any other symptoms? Tell me more... Sorry you are dealing with this! You are not alone!
I had headaches and lightheadedness for the last month, but the waking up with chest vibrating has just started within the last week. The headaches have also gotten a lot better over the last week.
I’ve been seeing a neurologist and hematologist (for the headaches and lightheadedness) and now I’m waiting to see a cardiologist. So far none of the doctors can pin down what’s going on. I heard about the magnesium, and I took two pills a couple days ago and it was like taking a laxative. I may try just taking one every night before bed to see if it helps.
Would you say it’s the magnesium that’s helped you?
I think magnesium doesn’t hurt, but no, I don’t think so. I also felt like my stomach could be involved, although it doesn’t hurt at all. The ER doctor that thought it may be sleep apnea also said GERD (acid reflux) can cause sleep apnea (or more like chicken and egg - they don’t know which happens first). And since I had had slight sour sensation in throat, I stopped eating earlier in the evening - just in case that was it. But vibrations didn’t stop then - but I have continued that approach as well. I guess I am trying so many things, I am not sure what is working! My vote is going with the chiropractor. Now if I ever get the sleep study scheduled - I am curious if I do have sleep apnea. My husband says I do not snore, so not sure.
Okay - I DO have sleep apnea and the pulmonary doctor said people have all sorts of weird sensations when they stop breathing and need to wake up. So maybe a sleep study is in order. Once I get my CPAP machine we will see if it stops the vibrating! I am feeling optimistic!
Me too. 54 years old in good general health. Taken up golf again recently. Started getting very light telephone vibrator like vibrations in the left chest yesterday evening and some light headedness after a session of practice swings. Then vibrations again this afternoon at the village fête. Seemed to happen in rhythm to my heartbeat which is between 50-60 bpm. Also, haven’t been sleeping great the past year and have been hearing a humming noise. I’m going to see what the doctor has to say.
I have had this feeling. I don't get this feeling often. I read the vibrations can be caused by stress. The stress hormone is realised and can cause parts of the body to vibrate. The chest muscles are one of the areas known to vibrate and can take 20min or more to calm and get everything back to normal.
I have been feeling the same thing for quite a while now. Have you looked into hyperThyroidism? This is just one of the things I read online about it.
Hyperthyroidism can mimic other health problems, which can make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose. It can also cause a wide variety of signs and symptoms
Hyperthyroidism can mimic other health problems, which can make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose. It can also cause a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including:
Unintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Pounding of your heart (palpitations)
Increased appetite
Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
Tremor — usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers
Sweating
Changes in menstrual patterns
Increased sensitivity to heat
Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck
So a lot of people are mentioning a feeling like vibrating of a mobile phone in their chest, which one of your cut and pasted symptoms listed sounds like that? No of them is my guess.
Okay - I DO have sleep apnea and the pulmonary doctor said people have all sorts of weird sensations when they stop breathing and need to wake up. So maybe a sleep study is in order. Once I get my CPAP machine we will see if it stops the vibrating! I am feeling optimistic! Will keep everyone posted.
Hi Pikaia. I experience something that sounds like what you (and many others) have described. Had it on and off for a few months and probably had it for a while before that but was not aware of it. It is a kind of vibration in the left chest that come and goes. No pain or discomfort but quite obvious sometimes. Pretty sure I can feel it in other parts of the body on rare occasion, a bit of an off and on buzzing, so think it is a nerve thing. My guess is that it is something to do with the vagus nerve - which maybe fires a bit noticeably in some folks when it has to get some action from the organs. I was getting up around 4.00am there for a while, and it seemed to get going pretty strongly around that time. Maybe that was the brain telling the stomach to get ready for digestion. All the best, Mark
I have these similar symptoms. Have had off and on for over two years. Had several consultations with my cardiologist and all the tests over that time because I felt there was a problem. The doctor ignored my concern about these vibrations. Even laughed and said not possible, as I said it feels like I have two heart beats, a regular one and one that quivers. Saying all is well. Until November. Was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Now the doctor has determined these quivers are from atrial fibrillation. So his laugh was not an educated one.
The upper chambers of the heart, the atria, quiver (fibrillate) instead of fully contracting to push the blood through the heart. Research: What is Nonvalvular AFib?
When l first mentioned this sensation 5 yrs ago not only on this forum but to my GP and EP it was met with total silence but now it crops up quite frequently on the forum although still met by silent disbelief when l mentioned to my new GP two days ago...
I first saw this post about a year ago. Body’s wake up call triggered by mechanical like vibration on the heart is my sense. Felt like a vibrating cell phone. WTF! I thought i was having a heartache. No pain. Nothing. I had a series of them on and off. Last year. Went to a cardiologist, got the holster, then for the sleep test. Waste of time. Nothing. Is is psycho somatic? Is the body-mind mimicking the environment around me with the “wake up call” immitating a cell phone in vibrate? The physical vibration is quite real. Happened yesterday morning as well after a one year break.
I’ve been having this issue for about 2 years now. Sometimes the vibration sensations moves from heart to throat to solar plexus. Wakes me up then goes away. There was a period of time where it was so strong I felt as if I was sitting next to a big loud drum that someone was banging on in some sort of a rhythmic fashion.
The only thing I can think of that makes sense is this is part of a spiritual awakening inside your body. Not to be confused with religion. Think metaphysics.
I have had the same feeling for quite some time now. The phone vibrating is a good way to describe it but mine is like the feeling of a new model phone with a light vibration. For anyone who knows the feeling of getting blood drawn and the catheter is up against a valve and you can feel that vibrating sensation, that’s how I would describe mine. It’s only on the left side of my chest. Some articles I read online said it could be just anxiety. May not be able to feel it when being active, but when laying down without distractions, that’s when it’s more noticeable. Not really sure though. I’ve had several exams done and all normal.
I'm so glad to see that I am not alone. My doctors just kind of look at me and have no clue. I've done the heart monitor thing. I'm going to make an appointment with a sleep doctor. It only happens at night, always at about 4am. It keeps me up for a while and goes away if I get up. The sleepless night get to you after a while.
I am so glad to have found this forum! I felt the “cellphone vibration” on my left chest this morning. Thought it was my cellphone, but it was sitting right in front of me and not vibrating. I waited for it to go away, but it didn’t for about 4 hours. I called the doctor’s office and spoke to the nurse for about 30 mins, she said she never heard of it and other nurses in the clinic did not either. Scheduled an appointment to go in to see the doctor, he didn’t hear of it either and did a EKG just to make sure I am not having a heart attack. Everything came back normal. I am 48 years old healthy female, no known medical problem and am active and healthy. I puzzled me.
One night it was so intense I checked to see if there had been a small earthquake (there hadn't been). I'm currently wearing a holter monitor and very interested to see if they could tell anything about when it happens.
Because I was paying attention more than usual last night (in order to press the button on the holter monitor), I noticed something realllly interesting.
It seemed that, over and over, every time my partner moved (which causes the bed to move slightly) the vibration feeling would start. Then it would taper off, then start again whenever he moved. One time he moved a lot, and the vibration was even stronger. What the heck??
I was diagnosed with central sensitization (caused me pain and fatigue) at Mayo Clinic several years ago, and I'm wondering if this is related. Central sensitization essentially means that the neurons throughout the body are sending wrong or amped up messages to the brain.
I plan to come back here with any updates as I appreciate that many of you have!
Please tell patient that her Holter monitor showed occasional skipped beats but no pathologic rhythms. When she reported symptoms the monitor revealed only elevated heart rate but no pathologic rhythms.
The details included, "Symptoms were reported and correlated with normal sinus rhythm and sinus tachycardia with heart rates less than 110 beats per minute."
The details of the report also said I had several PACs and one PVC. Haven't had my follow up yet, but I don't expect much further explanation.
Hmmm..... so I still don't know. Btw, I definitely had at least medium level vibrations during wearing the monitor.
I've been having this problem too. There are enough of us having it that if we systematically compare notes I think we can figure out the cause and the solution.
For me, it's sometimes a vibrating sensation by my heart, and it's sometimes a 'pulsing' feeling somewhere else in my body. The vibrating sensation is continual but the pulsing is on/off several times per second. (The vibration might just be a stronger version of the pulsing. Sometimes I can only sense the pulsing if I cup my shoulder or bicep or thigh.) For awhile I thought the pulsing was 4 times per heartbeat, but the rate seems to vary.
I asked two cardiologists and neither had heard of this issue.
My new theory is that the problem doesn't originate in the heart. I think it's electrical. The reason I say this is because I can often get it to stop within a couple seconds by holding a piece of metal on my body where it's happening. You might want to try this, and share your results with the group here. (Use unpainted metal, and pick a metal that's a good conductor. I found that it works better if I keep my hand on the metal, i.e. making a loop for the electrons to travel that includes one part that's just metal. For me each piece will only work a few times and then I need to ground it to remove the excess ions.)
I don't know where the electricity is coming from. It might be originating in my brain. The reason I say this is because the problem is dependent on my brain's state. Although I occasionally feel the pulsing if I'm just resting on the sofa, I've only been having the heart vibration when I'm asleep and wake up from it, or when I'm just about to fall asleep at night.
I'm continuing to experiment. I haven't had any cognitive problems or involuntary muscle contractions that often come with excessive electricity in the body.
If I become confident that it's electrical I'll probably get an EEG to see if there's any unusual electrical activity in my brain.
It's A Nerve In Your Chest Muscle....Could Be From Your Spine or/ Shoulder... I Had This Very Same Thing & Thought It Was My Heart Fluttering...When It Happens Again ? Check Your Pulse.....That Would Also Explain The "Electrical" Sensation As The Nervous System Is Electrically Charged.....
I too had the feeling two days back of a vibrating mobile inside the heart region. Got perplexed.. checked my mobile, it was away on the side table a foot away from me... in the last two days just wondering what it could be, heartbeat was 60-62 and at my age of 68 it is ok. Then thought of a chk on some Internet forum. Got this to see n thank God it is not unique to me...
I just noticed this sensation for the first time yesterday. I was test driving a new car and thought that it was something in the car vibrating. Then it happened again an hour later at dinner and again at bedtime. I have seen a lot of people that wear Fitbit with these symptoms. And Fitbit has some warnings. Do you think that could that be related?
Just wanted to thank you for sharing. I tried pressing a spoon to the vibration and it stopped after about a minute. Do you have any further details on why this happens or ways to stop the cause? Thank you so much.
I have these similar symptoms. Have had off and on for over two years. Had several consultations with my cardiologist and all the tests over that time because I felt there was a problem. The doctor ignored my concern about these vibrations. Even laughed and said not possible, as I said it feels like I have two heart beats, a regular one and one that quivers. Saying all is well. Until November. Was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Now the doctor has determined these quivers are from atrial fibrillation. So his laugh was not an educated one.
The upper chambers of the heart, the atria, quiver (fibrillate) instead of fully contracting to push the blood through the heart. Research: What is Nonvalvular AFib?
Have any of you been on blood pressure medication? My new theory is that the blood pressure medication I have been taking may have something to do with it. I feel is like a side effect caused by the intake of the medication, amlodipine, specially if you are sensitive to medication like I am.
Follow up: I've worn a heart monitor when this happens, nothing shows. I've eliminated medications to make sure it's not one of them. The only one I can't eliminate is Zyrtec. I went to a sleep doctor. He said he's been doing sleep stuff for 20 years and has never heard of this. There is no need for me to do a sleep study because I'm not over weight and my esophagus is a normal size. He wants me to try a sleeping pill or anxiety meds. Has anyone else tried either? I've wondered if it is a nerve thing because sometimes it feels like other parts of my body are vibrating but at night it's only in my chest and keeps me awake. Thoughts?
Hello, my name is Johannes, I'm 69 now and have these symptoms for many years. Just today after another "attack" I found this website where it describes the symptoms I recognize. I also thought for long time it came from my stomach but research showed all is good with it. Because I can be really unwell for hours or even a day, I found that taking capsules with cayenne, turmeric and drinking much water helps me to recover fast. I had many tests in the past, from the heart as well without results. I will see my doctor soon and I am sure I've to do tests again but it is always so that on the day of a test I have no symptoms and feel normal and good . There is however a symptom that worried me, since 2 1/2 year now after a long flight I have memory loss, can't find the right words or translations. It is not regular but during and after this atrial flutter memory loss is stronger.
I too had the feeling two days back of a vibrating mobile inside the heart region. Got perplexed.. checked my mobile, it was away on the side table a foot away from me... in the last two days just wondering what it could be, heartbeat was 60-62 and at my age of 68 it is ok. Then thought of a chk on some Internet forum. Got this to see n thank God it is not unique to me...
I've been getting these painless vibrations for around 20 years, long before any diagnoses or prescribed meds. Usually awoke to the sensation during the night probably at least 2 or 3 times a week (though it could be more and I'm just not being woken). The last few years I've noticed it happening during the day feeling a very slight vibration right down to the soles of my feet. Doctors over the years have just given me a puzzled look when I've described it. It's only been within the past few months that it's been suggested as likely being related to my atrial flutter which only developed in the past 5 months. I'm still not convinced but I figure if I've survived this long with it then it can't be as serious as I may think it is. I'm 57, morbidly obese with hypertension, hypothyroidism, sleep apnoea, arrythmia/atrial flutter and had an ICD since Feb '19. I'm just thankful to still be here and can't continue to focus on the negatives. Be vigilant but stay positive.
Hello everyone, I just wanted to provide my insight into this phenomenon. I have experienced this "chest vibration" sensation for over 4 years now with pretty much every test under the sun (MRIs,Holter monitors, EP study, etc) to figure out what it is. After nearly everything came back as normal and doing more research on it..ive come to realize its either anxiety,stress, or sleep paralysis related. The nights that i go to bed worried about something are the nights im waking up with this scary buzzing/vibrating sensation..I tried to describe it to docs many times- feels like an electric current is pulsing through my body, but like everyone else i get the shrugged shoulders- i find this mostly centered in the chest but it has been in my head as well. I would suggest trying something to reduce anxiety prior to going to bed at night and seeing if that helps alleviate the situation.
I have been experiencing similar symptoms. Honestly it feels like I am experiencing two contiguous sets of heartbeats. When I check pulse #1 (usually 55-60 bpm) I can feel a very strong & fast pulse #2 (any way to measure accurately?). No kidding - it’s like a pulse w/in a pulse!!
Usually, if I get up right away and measure my pulse it is usually 120/60. I have been going to the VA which doesn’t really have reliable cardiology.
It sounds like this is a fairly common symptom. I am surprised that there are seemingly not many solutions.
This is known as the burning heart that is believed to be a connection to Gods anointed. By calling out to the spirit he shows you a path and confirms your communication with a heart on fire. Did the sensation make you tingle? This can be done simply by manifesting deep emotion and a longing to be closer to the one.
that's such a lovely way to think about this. For me the vibrations started today, just as I was walking the dog. No pain, just this buzzing for a few seconds, right at my heart. I am a long-time yoga practitioner and meditator and have been doing practices of awakening for the better part of a year. And yes, there have been some powerful dreams of calling out, standing in the path of a great force that moves through and around me. I will take it as a sign of spiritual awakening. So much exists that we cannot directly perceive.
Interesting, as I have asked my Cardio Doc about this three times now and he does not say much, if anything at all!! It goes after I get up and go to the loo, for instance. Then starts up and wakes me up again.
Not entirely sure if I'm posting in the right place, but what you've all described seems to fit the bill perfectly. I've had these half-second, flutterish/vibrating heart symptoms on and off for the past 2 years, but I noticed it's been happening more often lately so I decided to Dr Google (which is a Bad Idea) and found myself here as well.
I have been to the doctor for it, and aside from a tiny heart murmer and ectopic heartbeat (which shouldn't be causing any issues) the results have shown nothing. I'm taking that as a good thing though.
I just want to add in that I have only just turned 23 (so, I haven't had any older age-related heart issues or anything yet) and other than a 2 week old diagnosis of very mild epilepsy, I am considered to be very healthy with no other underlying health concerns.
Coughing or hitting my chest seems to help this "buzz" disappear, and it only lasts for a fraction of a moment. I am chalking it up to anxiety partly, and have also been told by my doctor that my over awareness of ectopic heartbeat and is probably making
me hyperalert to this sensation, and therefore magnifying whatever it is.
I just created this account to let anyone know who is worried about this that it does seem to occur benignly in healthy young adults as well, so please don't get too fixated on it and spend too much time obsessing over your pulse like I did. Hopefully it will go away, or I will gradually lose focus on it.
Thanks for your reply. I think you're on to something with anxiety. I've only had it twice 2 years ago, when I was coming to terms with having a jumpy heart. Since then things have settled down and I've never experienced anything similar since.
Hi Pikaia, have you found out more about the vibrations since you submitted this post?
Since about 3 months I'm experiencing similar symptoms: waking up to ongoing audible, rattling vibrations in chest which go away with movement, but come again after laying down and falling asleep again, sometimes resulting in hours of sleeplessness.
EKGs, Holter EKGs, aren't showing anything and heart rate always remains 50-60 during sleep states. It is almost like a "phantom vibration", but it is clearly audible and strong enough to wake me up several times each night. There seems to be little knowledge about what this could be beyond AFib, if EKGs aren't showing anything.
So my cardiologist(s) have dismissed it, putting it down to muscle twitches, anxiety etc. I haven't had it since I posted 2 years ago (that I'm aware of). I understand what you mean when you say 'phantom vibration', which makes me think it isn't heart related.
So in conclusion, it clearly seems to be something many people have, and seems to be anxiety/stress related, and potentially not cardiac in nature. However, ultimately, my guess is as good as yours. Be well.
Thanks, that’s helpful. Maybe it is a nerval/muscle event caused by tension around spine and neck. That does sound plausible. I recently discovered that it feels like a continuous rapid pulsating sensation on the left side of the neck, most clearly felt when laying on the back and turning the head to the left side. Weirdest thing, but very consistent and clear, every night.
I am 76 and have had the sensation of a cell phone on vibrate in left side of chest, above heart, on and off, for years. Today it started at about 8:30 a.m. It is 12:30 now, and still buzzing intermittently. I went for a 3 mile walk from 10 until 11, and it stopped while I was walking. I have very mild chest pain in same area. I have normal BP of about 115/75 without medication. Have had every heart test known to mankind, but no ablation or stent required. Have been diagnosed with abnormal EKG, right side bundle branch block, and left side anterior ventricular somethingorother. Doctors say not to worry about it. The buzzing persists as I write this. It has never gone on so long before. I do not think it is anxiety or stress. I am not anxious or stressed about anything. I saw on a FitBit site that these symptoms "cellphone on vibrate" are thought by some as being FitBit related. I don't use, and have never used, a FitBit or similar device. I have no idea what causes this, but am convinced it is a real physiological (not emotional or anxiety-related) problem. I have just pressed my fingers into the buzzing area, and it seems that the buzz is centered in the chest muscle about 4 inches above left nipple...which seems to be well above the heart.
I every time I lie on my side, it feels like the heart is struggling and it starts to buzz/vibrate. It almost instant and obviously wakes me up every time I move from lying on my back. I cough to sort it out.
Had ECGs - nothing - Ive had a heart monitor on for a week straight- waiting on results (for 3 weeks - so there must be nothing serious).
Im 53 female ( peri menopause) and recently put on Amlodipine for high BP. Ive had to take Omeprozole for years re acid reflux. I have cut this drug down to maybe once a week now as I don’t like what Im reading about it, but I still need it.
The buzzing starts in the evening and most certainly through the night, waking me up many times.
I worry that if I ever have to go to hospital for any operation - they’ll put me on my side and I’ll be unable to recover myself from it.
I had my gallbladder remover 5 years ago and had horrendous problems through the night of something akin to sleep apnea.
Unfortunately, the night nurse rolled her eyes and kept walking, when I tried to explain. I checked myself out early to get away from the staff, if Im honest. Not impressed and has left me with little trust in the medical staff.
Im at a loss what to do now, but I feel something is really wrong in my chest.
Common sense tells me that it can’t be serious, otherwise surely one of them would have picked up on it.
I found this forum and hope maybe someone out there has found a solution or can point me in a direction to alleviate this problem.
Just joined a minute ago, specifically so I could share something I'm looking into for myself. I have been experiencing something similar recently, although I would call it a 'thrumming', more than a vibrating, and it is in my head as well as my chest.
When I GOOGLEd it, I found that some people with the same sensation have gotten a diagnosis of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in the brain: a tangle of veins that can lead to a stroke. One person also was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, although that person felt the sensation more in their ear, as I recall.
Anyway, I wanted to make sure that you guys knew about this possible problem, since it can be very serious.
(I have made an appointment for today to hopefully find out what my condition is. I fear the worst - the AVM - but hope for something nonthreatening...)
Hi LollyMom , I hope your appointment went well. There's such a danger in Googling things. Google doesn't know everything and isn't set up for these kinds of query. I had the vibrating feeling a few times a few years ago and I'm convinced it was stress related (I was struggling to come to terms with my diagnosis). After telling myself this (and accepting it), I haven't had any vibrations since.
Hi Pikaia. I have been reading down all of the comments on this post as its something I'm really struggling with myself at the moment. I'm so glad to see your comment that the vibrations have stopped! I too am really struggling with my diagnosis and am feeling anxious most of the day which is really unpleasant. I'm not ruling out that mine is anxiety related, but I feel more like the trembling/vibrating is making me anxious. Since my diagnosis a month ago I have been put on Bisoprolol and when I take it on a morning I feel a slight vibrating in the afternoon if I relax. Since moving the Bisoprolol to evenings I'm not getting the minor vibrating during the day. So putting 2 and 2 together, I feel the Bisoprolol could be responsible. Are or were you ever on Bisoprolol?
That's a really interesting comment. I was on Bisoprolol at the time. (and sorry for the late response, I'm trying to keep off here to keep my anxiety in check )
My periodic vibration feeling is in my right side chest, above the stomach and below the nipple line, like behind the first or second rib. It is not related to breathing, and it's not palpitations, have had those before and even happens between breaths. It absolutely feels like a higher frequency vibration. Like as others have compared, a cell phone. I thought maybe was from digestive issues as I have those frequently. I am reading about this symptom and sensation. It matches in many way the clinical description for AORTIC STENOSIS. Can anyone else tell if they have had this sensation on the RIGHT SIDE, just under the nipple line, behind lower ribs, and what was to diagnoses? This is really freaking me out. As I have enough issues already.
After ten months of a non-stop vibration in my left chest, I was beginning to think I was going crazy. It has helped tremendously to find this thread and realize there are others dealing with this. I have had numerous heart tests, a brain MRI, and even seen a neurologist. Everything comes back normal, but the vibrations continue. It is beyond frustrating. My doctor just looks at me like I’m crazy. She even mocked me and said “you realize we don’t have any motors in our bodies” when I tried to describe my symptoms. I still feel like it’s heart related, but there is no proof at this point. I need to have some surgery on my hand but I’m worried about being put under while this is going on.
I have this crazy vibration feeling going on for several months now. I also take Flecainide, which is in anti Arrhythmic medication. I’ve consulted and seen my electrophysiologist several times and I’m sure he thinks I’m crazy. He keeps telling me it’s anxiety. Couple of trips to the ER and they also say anxiety.
I do have anxiety, and maybe that’s what it is? But it’s for sure making my anxiety ten times worse !
Personally, I think it was anxiety. I haven't had it for quite some years now and that's coincided with becoming calmer and better accepting my new reality. Hopefully you're felling better now too.
Did you ever find answers to this. I’m 35 with no diagnosed heart issues but atenolol is the only thing that helps and no one can tell me why this happening. It’s very scary. It happens at night and worse of left side. When I move I can somewhat stop it but it’s so anxiety provoking which I’m sure doesn’t help.
Just so relieved to find this thread. I have a vibration occuring in my left chest right where my heart is. It's goes for hours, vibrating for a few seconds then stopping. Vibrating then stopping. Exactly like a cell phone. I had a heart monitor and my cardiologist said there was no abnormal heart beat so nothing to worry about. I've just read all these posts and am very grateful to find this group. I tried pressing a metal spoon onto the area (as someone had suggested) and it just stopped. I'm curious about people that have Afib and this condition. Someone said that this was Afib and someone else said Afib feels different. If anyone else has Afib and can comment that would be helpful. Also if people can share what stops it (other than a spoon) or when it seems to be triggered that would be helpful. I was wondering if aspirin may help or drinking lots of water may help. Thanks everyone.
Hi Helwalp. I'm having this same problem which has gone on for a month. I was diagnosed with Afib last month and given Bisoprolol and anticoagulants, first Apixaban then swapped to Riverolaban to see if that stopped the tremmor/vibration but it didn't. It happens to me just as I'm falling asleep. Sometimes I can feel the vibration quite mildly when my body relaxes and it builds up and pulls me back from falling asleep just as I start to nod off. Yesterday I put my own post up to see if I could find a way to stop it but nothing yet. It feels nothing at all like Afib, but I did have one really strong bout of the vibration last week and it triggered a brief Afib event, but that hasn't happened since. I spoke to the GP the following day and he told me to move my Bisoprolol to evening so I get better protection through the night when I need it most. But this hasn't helped the vibrations. I see you're sensation is in your left chest. Mine seems to come up quite evenly through my chest, and sometimes as high as my neck. Sometimes down into my thighs too but very mildly. I do hope we can all find some relief from this as its really unpleasant.
I have Afib as well but I also have Parkinson’s. It is tricky, the vibrations can be from your heart or it could be an internal tremor. I don’t have a lot of external tremors from the Parkinson’s, but I most certainly have internal tremors all day and night which drive me crazy. So I am not the least bit surprised to have this internal vibration tremor in my chest wall. It is a bit scary when it first happens and like many that have commented the vibration is definitely feels like I have a cell phone on vibrate. There are so many reason why this happens I would recommend letting tour pcp or heart specialist know if for no other reason then to document the change in symptoms. FYI anxiety can also cause internal vibrations in the chest cavity
I’ve been having a similar sensation (chest vibrations). And found that they’ve massively reduced since taking off my FitBit. Still getting the odd shake but no where near as bad as when I was wearing the FitBit.Might not be related... will see what happens over the next few days.
I experienced this since few months ago, mostly when I go to the store, which is up a hill. I constantly checked for my phone. Today I feel it while sitting at the table. I think it's because I consume a lot of Swedish snus. I know it's too much cause it creates problems with my sleep. Time to dial down.
I am so glad I found this thread. 46 healthy sporty female, never had any heart problems, no medications at all. Holter, sleep analysis, Electrocardiograms and blood tests all negative. Am having the same symptoms exactly- lower left chest radiating out cell phone type vibrations while pulse is slow and regular. Last for about 1-5 minutes. Occur Always at rest, mostly night and early morning, wake me up occasionally, stop when I move. Alcohol makes it worse but I totally stopped alcohol three months ago because I wanted the vibration to stop - it continues I’m going to try going off coffee next, my (not blood related) aunt says she feels the same and it’s caused by coffee in her case. Thank you all for the posts, they really make me feel not so alone, all others and especially doctors think I’m just stressed. I am not, never been so serene in my life. Btw my husband can feel or hear the vibrations when he puts his ear to my chest.
I'm having the exact same symptoms. I googled it and was directed here. I see that after 4 years and 129 replies, there is still no one with a concrete answer. Hmmm.....makes me wonder if the majority of responses are actual people or "bots."
I started feeling the exact same symptoms as you've all described (vibration feeling in my left chest/breast, no pain, wakes me up, etc) but after 4 years and 129 replies there are NO concrete answers or diagnosis? Come on. The majority of responses must be from "bots." I see my Primary Care doctor on the 16th and will ask him then but I'm curious if it is an emergent situation in which I should seek immediate medical attention. It doesn't hurt and just comes and goes but is still very bothersome and worrisome. Has anyone gotten an exact and true diagnosis as to the cause?????
HI, I know this is an old thread and I hope it still turns up in someone's feed. I started searching online for this a few years ago, and think I might have a crazy explanation. My condition seems to relate to people I love thinking about me. Yes I know that sounds crazy. But it really correlates that when I relax and my lover or best friend or mother think about me, my heart vibrates. And if they are thinking kind thoughts, the vibration is gentle and sweet and can last for hours - as long as they are keeping me in their thoughts/heart. And when one of them is upset, especially when they are upset with me, and I am also upset with them, then the vibration is really difficult to cope with. Sometimes I can change the feeling by changing my own thoughts about it, while it is happening. Yes, it's difficult to be completely sure, because if they are embarrassed or too angry of course they don't accurately tell me what they are thinking. But happily, when they are loving towards me, they do tell me - that is how I correlated it with the vibration in the first place. Apparently it is a sign of spiritual openness - in Buddhism and Hinduism they call an open heart the 'unstruck bell', because it is known to vibrate with joy when you have spiritual attainments. I guess because we are all older and have loved intensely, that we are at a stage of life where we can relax enough to let the world be as it is and accept things that we would have been too busy or not open enough to feel before. As several people have said, we know perfectly well our heartbeat doesn't change, when the vibration is happening, so it might make more sense to think of it as our body being sensitive to thoughts. Hope this is helpful.
It feels like a phone vibrating in my shirt pocket (and occasionally I do carry my phone there). When it happens, it may happen several times in the same day. It feels quite convincing, particularly under a jacket and seated. I don’t know what to think. I am a 70 year old guy.
Yes I have had this on occasions.Feels really weird.Not been diagnosed as our GPS are really only seeing people rarely so they wouldn't class this as urgent.It seems to come and go as it pleases .
Definitely not Bots! I’m 58 and experienced the vibrating mobile phone in the left chest feeling for the first time yesterday evening. It’s back again this evening as I write. Not at all painful. Just weird. I have high blood pressure and acid reflux. Have been taking Nexium for years and have been reading that this can lead to deficiency of magnesium among other things. Just wondered if anyone else has looked into this. Will talk to my doctor next week.
I've had the same thing and no Dr can find a thing wrong. It literally feels like someone is intentionally doing this to hurt me. It is every night. Along with hearing people talk through eardrums, cellular devices, any Bluetooth device. My daughter is being directed by someone to do mean things to her parents mainly me.
I find that drinking electrolytes helps tremendously but still happening. I also take l theanine at bed time and it helps but I hate not knowing the why
This may possibly help some still following this thread.4 years ago I started waking in the middle of the night with what felt like a very fast pulse in my left chest (too fast to count) though my wrist pulse was normal. Twice to A&E nothing found. I could also feel it in my abdomen. Self diagnosed it as a muscle twitch in the ribs or, maybe, the diaphragm. I have Post Polio Syndrome which could cause it.
A year ago I started getting vibrations in the bowels and down the left leg particularly after a walk.
I also have headaches, fatigue, pulsatile tinnitus, hyperacusis, jaw pain, light-headedness.
After much research (doctors no help) I found web sites which suggested neck posture can cause many of my symptoms including vibration. Forward head posture, coupled with neck hinging back, can trap arteries, veins and nerves causing varied symptoms. Crucially, for this thread, the neck hinge can put pressure on the spinal cord, causing internal vibrations.
I am working on my posture, vibrations have gone, twitching, fatigue, headaches, light-headedness all reduced. Waiting for MRI with contrast to confirm.
Of course, poor neck posture can be caused by doing all this research on a mobile phone!!
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Strange sensations in chest
Ectopic beats and heart rate
Slow heart rate today 
Is it normal to feel every single heart beat?
