Symptom 9. Rapid Heart Rate: The Unsettling Speed of the Beat
An unexpectedly rapid heart rate, known as tachycardia, can be another symptom experienced by patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. This sign can be unsettling, with patients often reporting their heart beating “too fast” or “racing,” even at rest or during sleep.
The thyroid gland, through its production of thyroid hormones, plays a significant role in regulating the heart rate. Any abnormality, including cancer, can affect this regulation and lead to a speeded heart rhythm.
Patients may experience heart palpitations, an awareness of the heartbeat, along with a faster pulse rate. These symptoms may occur spontaneously, leaving patients with a sense of panic or anxiety. This symptom might be accompanied by other cardiovascular signs like shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness.
A rapid heart rate can also lead to fatigue, as it might prevent the body from resting adequately. This can further reduce a patient’s quality of life, impacting their daily activities and overall well-being.
The symptom of a rapid heart rate, the unsettling speed of the beat, thus forms an important part of the differentiated thyroid cancer symptom profile. Its occurrence necessitates prompt medical attention to assess the heart health and rule out the possibility of an underlying thyroid malignancy. (9)
