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Can feel heartbeat/pulse in suprasternal notch

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Posted 9/28/2010 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
I'm a 27, almost 28 year old female. I read that you're not supposed to feel a "palpable pulse" in the suprasternal notch, that little hollow area between the collarbones. But if I stick my finger in there I can definitely feel a pulse and heartbeat. When I look at that area in a mirror, I can see the indentation of my throat pulsating in time to my heartbeat. Should I be concerned? Also, what exactly is a palpable pulse?

Thanks for any insights!
Posted 9/28/2010 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
wakenight,

To the best of my knowledge, in a young normal person there should be no palpable pulse in the soft tissue that is located above the suprasternal notch.

To palpate a pulse is to to put your fingers on the pulse and feel it.

I would suggest you seek out your Doctor's opinion re this question re your pulse in the suprasternal notch.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 9/28/2010 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Stkitt, thanks for your response. I forgot to mention that I do have scoliosis, could that be causing me to feel a pulse in that area? Because I'm sure the curvature of my spine may have thrown my internal structures out of whack?

I will see about going to the doctor to have it checked out, for peace of mind. I don't have a regular doctor though, so I'm confused about what to ask for? A heart x-ray?
Posted 9/28/2010 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Good Afternoon,

I do not feel  scoliosis would cause this problem but I am not a Doctor.  When you see the Dr. explain your sx and the Doctor should know what tests you may need if any. 

I have read of people having a congenital heart problem with this same concern that you are asking about.  Again, remember I am not a physician and not dx,  just suggesting your check in with your Dr.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 9/29/2010 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
It's really hard to speculate as to whether or not you should be concerned, so kitt is absolute right that you should go visit a physician to have them evaluate you. It would be good to see a physician soon to rule out the possibility, although probably very rare at your age (especially without accompanying pain or other genetic disorders such as marfan syndrom or ehler danlos), of aortic aneurysm.

Post Edited (trn450) : 9/28/2010 11:29:41 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/29/2010 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
trn,

We were on the same wave link but I did not post the aortic aneurysm<!-- Edit --> as I did not want to alarm wakenight.  That is why I was pushing for a Dr. to do a medical screening exam. 

You are right, the probability is low but wakenight please do get checked out so we will all feel better.  :-)

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 10/9/2010 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
I wish people would come back to reply about these sorts of threads. I don't like to worry for them. :-(

Wakenight, hope all is well and that your medical evaluation found nothing to be concerned with.
Posted 4/6/2012 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
hi there,
i am a 53 year old male and a have had a really visible pulse in this spot for as long as i can remember-and apart from some acid reflux i'm quite heathy---so i wouldn't worry about it too much.
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