Rushing Blood

[stevie m]

Hi Guys,

My wife has been saying for a couple of months that when ever she's lying down trying to get to sleep she can hear the sound of her blood pumping/rushing in her ears. She's had her blood pressure checked recently and all's fine. Would appreciate any advice as to how to rid her of this nuisance.

[Clanad]

You might ask your wife if she has begun experiencing tinnitus (ringing in the ears).  If it's present, even in almost unnoticeable amounts, it can cause the perception you describe.  It even has a medical name... Pulsatile tinnitus.  The onset of tinnitus, if present, can originate with many different causes, but one of the most common is overuse of aspirin.  See if, during the day, your wife uses aspirin and relate that to the sensation she's describing...

Just a thought, since I've had this same experience.  (Doctors just love self-diagnosing patients).  Best of luck!

[stevie m]

Thanx clanad,

She doesn`t take aspirin so unfortunately that is a non starter. neither does she believe she has tinitus but is open to that debate, but your advice was most welcome

[Pollyfrance]

Is it after she has had an alcoholic drink? Presumably she doesn't have her blood pressure checked at a late hour? Your doctor can lend you a blood-pressure monitoring device, so you can check whether it's due to coffee, alcahol, food etc.

[stevie m]

Pollyfrance,

No she's boring and doesn't drink(but i make up for it she'll tell you).Coffe very rarely, green leaf tea always.

[redmug100]

This could be caused by a build up of ear wax. People who wear in ear ear-phones also experience hearing the pulse. Its generally worse in the left ear.

[RoRo]

Have her doctor check for inflammation of the eustachian tube.  This is the tube that connects the ears to the nose.  Chances are it is inflammed.  She will need nasal sprays that contain steroids.  If this does not help, she may have a disorder that will require draining fluid.