Surgeon reveals the reason you can 'hear' your heartbeat when you lie with your ear on your pillow... and when it might be sign of something sinister

Have you ever noticed a rhythmic thudding noise the moment your head hits the pillow? Although many people hear this noise when lying on their side — it could be a warning sign of increased blood pressure or even a tumour in your head or neck, experts warn. That's because the condition — which affects about 10 per cent of people with tinnitus — can be caused by high blood pressure, an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that causes problems with the connections between your arteries and veins, and even drinking too much caffeine, according to Dr Youn. @doctoryoun Pulsatile tinnitus can he caused by high blood pressure, AV malformations, excess caffeine, and more. Tinnitus UK explains increased blood flow can occur in strenuous exercise or pregnancy, it can also happen if your thyroid gland is overactive, a condition known as hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.