How common are palpitations in hyperthyroidism?

An overactive thyroid can make the body more sensitive to adrenaline-like signals. This may create a racing, pounding, fluttering or skipped-beat sensation, sometimes alongside tremor, heat intolerance, sweating, weight change, frequent bowel motions or feeling unusually restless. Symptoms can come and go, and their pattern alone cannot identify the cause.

Arrange a clinical assessment if palpitations are new, recurrent or troubling. A clinician can review medicines, caffeine or stimulant use, thyroid symptoms and your pulse, then decide whether blood tests or heart rhythm checks are appropriate. Note when episodes happen, how long they last, what you were doing and any symptoms that occur with them.

Seek urgent medical help for palpitations with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, marked dizziness, confusion, or a sustained very rapid or irregular heartbeat. These warning signs need prompt assessment regardless of the possible cause.

Ask whether your symptoms and examination suggest thyroid overactivity, whether a thyroid blood test is suitable, and whether an ECG is needed to check the heart rhythm. Mention any thyroid medicine, supplements, decongestants or inhalers you use.