What is pulsatile tinnitus?

Nov 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, pulsatile tinnitus may be caused by factors such as intense exercise, emotional fluctuations, anemia, hypertension, or intracranial vascular malformations. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. During intense exercise, the body's blood circulation accelerates and cardiac pumping increases, leading to changes in blood flow velocity and pressure within the blood vessels, which can trigger pulsatile tinnitus.

Under normal circumstances, pulsatile tinnitus may be caused by intense physical activity, emotional fluctuations, anemia, hypertension, or intracranial vascular malformations. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Intense physical activity: During vigorous exercise, the body's blood circulation accelerates and cardiac pumping strengthens, leading to changes in blood flow velocity and pressure within blood vessels, which can trigger pulsatile tinnitus. After stopping intense exercise and resting appropriately until the body returns to a calm state, tinnitus symptoms usually gradually subside.

2. Emotional fluctuations: When emotionally excited, tense, or anxious, hormonal levels in the body change and the sympathetic nervous system becomes overactive, causing abnormal constriction and dilation of blood vessels, resulting in pulsatile tinnitus. Regulating emotions through deep breathing, meditation, or listening to soothing music, and maintaining psychological calmness can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

3. Anemia: A reduction in red blood cell count or hemoglobin concentration decreases the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to hypoxia in ear tissues and compensatory vasodilation, which triggers pulsatile tinnitus. This is often accompanied by pallor and fatigue. Iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate tablets, ferrous fumarate granules, or ferrous succinate tablets should be taken as prescribed by a physician.

4. Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure increases stress on vessel walls, and the forceful blood flow against these walls produces abnormal sounds, causing pulsatile tinnitus. It is often accompanied by dizziness and headaches. Antihypertensive medications such as nifedipine controlled-release tablets, amlodipine besylate tablets, or valsartan capsules may be taken as directed by a doctor. Additionally, reducing salt intake and engaging in moderate exercise are recommended.

5. Intracranial vascular malformations: Abnormal structures in cerebral blood vessels alter hemodynamics, creating vortices or turbulent flow that lead to pulsatile tinnitus. In severe cases, this condition may result in serious complications such as cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction. Treatment options include endovascular interventional therapy or craniotomy, with therapeutic plans tailored according to the location and size of the malformed vessels.

In daily life, it is important to maintain regular作息, avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue; learn to manage emotions and avoid prolonged states of tension and anxiety; and undergo routine health check-ups for early detection and treatment of related conditions.

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