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Palpitation in upper right abdomen
Hi,
I am facing palpitation heart beating sensation in upper right abdomen, just below chest.
This sensation is felt when lying down on right side.
What can be the cause?
Answers (16)
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There can be various reasons for it...like anxiety, stress or any gastric issue, aortic pulsation...
It can be resolved but need usg and ecg done first...
Consult for better and further treatment
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If you want to discuss your problems, pls text me on whatsapp on seven two seven eight nine two seven six three eight, i will guide you step by step.
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could be due to many reasons like anxiety
need more details
kindly consult
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Get an ECG, but lots of people are aware of their heart beat and that is not necessarily abnormal.
All the best.
J G S R clinic.
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This is commonly due to normal aortic pulsation, gas, anxiety, or thin body build, especially when lying on the right side. It is usually harmless, but please consult for examination to rule out any cardiac or abdominal cause.
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Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Could be anxiety, some physical strain.
Get thyroid profile done, ecg, echo and share results. Then I can help you further.
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Excessive thin personality.
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Need some more details kindly consult
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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The sensation of palpitations / strong heartbeat felt specifically in the upper right abdomen (just below chest) when lying on your right side is a very common and usually benign complaint.
Most likely causes (in order of probability):
1. Normal awareness of heartbeat amplified when lying on right side — the heart is slightly shifted toward the right chest wall in that position, so you feel its pulsation more strongly in the epigastrium / upper right abdomen (very frequent, especially in slim or anxious people).
2. Gastrointestinal causes — gas, acid reflux, or hiatal hernia can cause a pulsating sensation in the epigastrium (upper abdomen) that feels like heartbeat, worse on right side or lying down.
3. Anxiety / heightened body awareness — once you notice it, anxiety makes you focus on every beat → vicious cycle (very common in young adults).
4. Less common but possible:
• Aortic pulsation (normal in thin people)
• Liver pulsation (if mild hepatomegaly or congestion)
• Rarely — arrhythmia (PVCs / ectopic beats) felt more in abdomen
Since it is position-specific (only on right side, disappears on changing position), no chest pain, no dizziness/fainting, no irregular rhythm, it is almost certainly not a dangerous cardiac problem.
Next Steps
1. Monitor for 3–5 days — note if it happens only on right side, any relation to meals, acidity, stress, or caffeine.
2. See a doctor within 1–2 weeks (general physician or cardiologist):
• They will do a quick clinical exam (listen to heart, palpate abdomen, check for epigastric pulsation)
• Likely order:
• ECG (to rule out arrhythmia)
• 2D Echocardiography (if any doubt on exam)
• Upper GI endoscopy (if acidity/reflux suspected)
• Most likely — all tests normal + reassurance
3. Go to emergency same day only if:
• Heart rate suddenly >120–130 bpm at rest
• Chest pain / tightness with the sensation
• Dizziness, fainting, or irregular beats
Health Tips
• Position change — sleep on left side or semi-reclined (2 pillows) — reduces sensation for most people
• Avoid triggers: No heavy meals 3 hours before lying down, reduce spicy/oily food, no caffeine after 4 pm
• Breathing technique — when you feel it: inhale slowly 4 sec → hold 4 sec → exhale 6–8 sec → repeat 5 cycles — calms awareness & anxiety
• Lifestyle: 30 min brisk walk daily, 7–8 hours fixed sleep, reduce stress (yoga/breathing/meditation)
• If acidity suspected: Try Pantoprazole 40 mg empty stomach in morning for 7–10 days (safe short-term)
This is usually harmless and improves with simple changes — position, diet, breathing. A normal ECG + exam will give 100% peace of mind.
For a complete evaluation (ECG interpretation, exact cause ruling out, personalized lifestyle plan, or when to worry), please book an online consultation with me — I’ll guide you step-by-step so you can stop feeling this every night and sleep peacefully.
Looking forward to helping you — book now and let’s resolve this quickly
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Anxiety? Hyperacidity? Thyroid? Or cardiac? Kindly consult with me on 94 two six eight six 78 nine six.
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Dr. Sohan Kulria
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Firozabad
If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed free discussion
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Needs to be evalauted
Do consult
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
May be anxiety
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.