Feeling your heartbeat in your stomach is usually due to the pulse of blood flowing through the abdominal aorta, the large artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body through your abdomen. This sensation can be more noticeable when lying down, after eating, during pregnancy, or in people with a slim build and less abdominal fat. It is often harmless in healthy individuals and can sometimes even be visible as a pulsing in the belly area.

However, in some cases, feeling a strong or pronounced heartbeat in the stomach can be a sign of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which is a serious condition where the aorta’s wall weakens and bulges outwards. This bulge can grow and potentially rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. The AAA symptoms can include a pulsating feeling in the abdomen, abdominal pain, back pain, or other signs such as cold feet. Risk factors for AAA include age over 60, smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and a family history of aneurysms. If you have risk factors or experience other symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation.

In summary:

• Normal cause: sensation of the abdominal aorta’s pulse, increased blood flow after meals, pregnancy or lying down in a certain position.
• Possible concern: abdominal aortic aneurysm, especially if accompanied by pain or other symptoms or risk factors.

If you just feel your heartbeat with no other symptoms and are healthy, it’s usually not serious. But if you have concerns or symptoms like pain or swelling, consult a healthcare professional for screening and diagnosis.