Symptom 2. Heart Palpitations – The Racing Rhythm of Disarray
Another conspicuous symptom that often accompanies Graves’ disease is heart palpitations. The experience can be likened to having a little drummer inside your chest, incessantly beating at a pace that’s uncomfortably fast and noticeably irregular. This rhythm of disarray, an unwelcome soundtrack to everyday life, often sends men scrambling for medical help.
At the root of these palpitations lie the very hormones causing the weight loss we discussed earlier. The thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), regulate the body’s metabolic rate.
However, their influence doesn’t stop there. They also have a profound effect on the heart. When these hormones surge in the body due to Graves’ disease, they push the heart to work harder and faster, leading to palpitations.
These palpitations are more than just an uncomfortable sensation; they are a sign of your heart struggling under the influence of excess thyroid hormones.
The impact of heart palpitations extends beyond mere discomfort. It creates a heavy workload for the heart, often leading to higher heart rates, even during periods of rest. The elevated heart rates can sometimes lead to a condition called ‘tachycardia,’ characterized by heart rates that exceed the normal resting rate.
The excess thyroid hormones can also lead to increased blood volume and cardiac output, which, in turn, might result in high blood pressure or hypertension. Such conditions increase the risk of developing heart diseases, including the possibility of heart failure in severe cases. The cardiovascular system is pushed into overdrive, and if left unchecked, this can take a toll on the overall health and longevity of the person.
Moreover, persistent heart palpitations can be the source of significant mental stress. The constant awareness of a rapidly beating heart can induce anxiety and panic attacks. (2)
