Hyperthyroidism palpitations: what to know

You may notice pounding, fluttering, racing, or skipped beats in your chest, neck, or throat. The sensation can come and go or remain present while the thyroid is overactive. Palpitations can also have other causes, so a new or persistent change deserves medical assessment.

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid state. Thyroid hormone affects the body's energy use and makes the heart more responsive to signals that increase its rate and force. This can produce palpitations alongside feeling anxious, sweating more than usual, heat intolerance, difficulty sleeping, diarrhoea, or night sweats.

Palpitations do not identify the cause by themselves. A clinician may ask when they occur, how long they last, whether the rhythm feels regular, and whether you take thyroid medicine, decongestants, caffeine, nicotine, or other stimulants. They may check your pulse, blood pressure, thyroid-related blood tests, and heart rhythm with an electrocardiogram.

Arrange a medical appointment if palpitations are recurring, newly noticeable, or occurring with other symptoms of an overactive thyroid. Record the time, duration, trigger, and whether the heartbeat feels regular. Note associated breathlessness, dizziness, chest discomfort, fever, or fainting.

Take prescribed thyroid treatment exactly as directed and do not change the dose without medical advice. Until you are assessed, limit triggers that clearly worsen the sensation, such as energy drinks, excess caffeine, nicotine, and some non-prescription cold remedies. Rest and drink fluids if you feel overheated or unwell.

Seek emergency help if palpitations occur with chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, or marked weakness. Seek prompt medical care for a very fast or persistently irregular heartbeat, especially with fever, vomiting, severe agitation, or worsening symptoms.

These features can signal a significant heart rhythm problem or a severe thyroid-related illness. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, confused, or severely breathless. If symptoms settle but keep returning, arrange a timely review rather than waiting for the next episode.

Ask what may be causing your palpitations and whether your thyroid levels or treatment need review. You can also ask whether you need an electrocardiogram, how to monitor your pulse during an episode, which medicines or stimulants to avoid, and which symptoms should prompt urgent help.