I can actually hear my heart beating in my head. It's not outside of my body, but actually inside my head. Also, when I lay down or get up, I can hear blood flowing to my head as well. Should I be concerned with either of these occurrences?

Hello jonquill,
What you are probably hearing is the blood pulsating up your carotid arteries (arteries each side of and neck & head) which carry blood to the brain) with each heart beat. This is not unusual especially if you are lying still, and there is no noise (or a very low level) around you at the time. I don't really understand your sensation of the blood "flowing" to your head.But, remember that focusing attention and concentration on the sounds increases your awareness of them. After exertion, "feeling" the beats in your neck /head is not uncommon.Also, a significant emotional event may do the same.I am not medically qualified, but I would not be too worried if these episodes were sporadic and you have no other symptoms. However, if it is continuous, and really a worry to you, you should be examined by a doctor, especially if there are other symptoms eg pain, feeling ill, feeling dizzy etc. Also, you should get your blood pressure checked.
Hope this helps.
Regards, Excelsior

The main thing you should rember, if you feel worried about a problem get it checked out. :jester:

I've experienced this in the past, too. if you're sedentary often being out of shape can play a huge role on how hard your heart beats when exerted. you should try and get some regular exercise going on and within a month or two depending on your age, you should be better off with you everyday movements. that is my experience anyway. I've been so worried about hearing my heartbeat that Ive' gone ot the hospital late at nght from hearing it while I was trying to fall asleep. but keep in mind, it's a lot better to hear your heartbeat, than to not :D

Sometimes hearing your pulse (pulsatile tinitus) can be a symptom of a carotid blockage. Often, it is due to other causes, as was pointed out by the other posters. Sometimes, no cause can be found. However, you might want to request a carotid ultrasound to be sure.