Why Can I Hear My Heart Pump in My Ears Post-Workout?

Following a vigorous exercise workout, you may notice symptoms other than sore muscles. If your heartbeat feels abnormal, this could be a sign of a serious problem. Hearing your heart pump in your ears may be normal for you, but you should consult a physician to rule out any serious causes.

A man rests his hands on his knees following an intense workout. (Image: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

Hypertension

Untreated hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be potentially life threatening. Most of the time, hypertension does not create any noticeable symptoms. However, some symptoms you may notice include tiredness, confusion, chest pain, nosebleed, irregular heartbeat and noise or buzzing in your ears. A workout routine may increase your blood pressure, causing you to hear your heartbeat in your ears. You may have a condition known as exercise hypertension in which your blood pressure rises abnormally during physical exertion.

Abnormal Heart Rhythm

An abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, can cause various symptoms. Often, people with arrhythmia feel their hearts pounding in their chests or notice that their heart seems to skip beats. Occasionally, people with this disorder can hear their heart beat in their ears. Cases of arrhythmia can be normal or mild, requiring no treatment. However, arrhythmia can also be a sign of a more serious disorder. Exercise-induced arrhythmia occurs when you exercise and increase your heart rate. In some cases, you may need medications to treat the abnormal heart rhythm.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus involves hearing a sound in your ears when no noise is present. Commonly, people hear a ringing or buzzing, however you may also hear your heart beating. Tinnitus is more common in men over the age of 40. Tinnitus of arterial origin may increase after exercise. Hypertension can also contribute to your tinnitus so it is important to be evaluated by a physician. Your doctor may recommend treatment or lifestyle changes to reduce your tinnitus.

Follow Your Doctor's Advice

Although your heart beating in your ear after exercise may be normal, you should visit your doctor to rule out any serious conditions. Your doctor might recommend a stress test. During a stress test, your heart rate is monitored while you exercise in your physician's office or at a lab or clinic. Your doctor can then determine if you have any abnormal heart rhythms while you are exercising. If there are any problems, your doctor can recommend treatment, lifestyle changes or medications to help you.