Why does hyperthyroidism cause palpitations?

Thyroid hormone affects the cardiovascular system as well as metabolism. Too much hormone can make the heart beat more quickly and can make each beat easier to notice. Palpitations may feel like racing, pounding, fluttering, skipping, or an awareness of the pulse in the chest or neck. Stimulants, anxiety, fever, and activity can make the sensation more noticeable.

Palpitations is a very common presentation of Hyperthyroidism. Palpitations also occur for many reasons other than thyroid disease, so the feeling alone cannot identify the cause.

Arrange a medical appointment for new or recurring palpitations, especially if you also have tremor, sweating, heat intolerance, or weight changes. A clinician may check your pulse, review medicines and supplements, perform heart testing when needed, and order thyroid blood tests. While waiting, avoid non-prescribed stimulant products and note what you were doing when symptoms began, how long they lasted, and whether the rhythm felt regular.

Seek urgent medical care if palpitations occur with chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, marked breathlessness, confusion, or a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unsafe. These symptoms need assessment because heart rhythm problems can have several causes.

Ask whether the heartbeat pattern needs an electrocardiogram, whether thyroid testing is appropriate, and whether your medicines, inhalers, caffeine, or supplements could contribute. Ask which symptoms should prompt urgent care while you await results.