Racing Heart? Why Graves Disease Attacks Your Thyroid + Medically Approved Next Steps

If your heart feels like it's racing for no clear reason, your hands are shaky, or you're losing weight without trying, your thyroid could be involved. One of the most common causes of an overactive thyroid is Graves disease.

Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that speeds up your body in ways that can feel alarming—but it is treatable. Understanding what's happening inside your body can help you take the right next steps calmly and confidently.

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What Is Graves Disease?

Graves disease is an autoimmune condition. That means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In this case, it targets your thyroid gland.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It controls how fast your body uses energy by producing thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). These hormones regulate:

• Heart rate
• Body temperature
• Metabolism
• Energy levels
• Mood
• Digestion

In Graves disease, your immune system produces antibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI). These antibodies overstimulate the thyroid, causing it to release too much hormone—a condition known as hyperthyroidism.

Think of it like a stuck gas pedal. Your body speeds up, even when it shouldn't.

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Why Does Graves Disease Cause a Racing Heart?

One of the most common and concerning symptoms of Graves disease is a rapid or pounding heartbeat.

Here's why:

• Excess thyroid hormones increase your body's sensitivity to adrenaline.
• Your heart beats faster and harder.
• Blood pressure may rise.
• You may feel palpitations or an irregular rhythm.

In some cases, untreated Graves disease can lead to atrial fibrillation, a serious irregular heart rhythm that increases stroke risk. This is why persistent racing heart symptoms should never be ignored.

If your heart rate is consistently high at rest, you feel chest pain, or you experience shortness of breath, seek medical care immediately.

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Common Symptoms of Graves Disease

Graves disease affects many systems in the body. Symptoms can develop gradually or appear more suddenly.

Common Symptoms

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Anxiety or irritability
• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
• Tremors (shaky hands)
• Frequent bowel movements
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping

Unique Signs of Graves Disease

Graves disease has some features that distinguish it from other types of hyperthyroidism:

• Eye changes (Graves' ophthalmopathy)

  • Bulging eyes
  • Eye pressure or pain
  • Redness or dryness
  • Double vision

• Enlarged thyroid (goiter)

  • Swelling at the base of the neck

Not everyone develops eye symptoms, but when they occur, they can significantly affect quality of life.

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Who Is at Risk for Graves Disease?

Graves disease is more common in:

• Women (especially ages 20–50)
• People with a family history of autoimmune disease
• Smokers
• Individuals under high stress
• Those with other autoimmune conditions (like type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis)

It can also appear after pregnancy or during periods of major hormonal change.

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How Is Graves Disease Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects Graves disease, they may order:

1. Blood Tests

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): Usually very low
• Free T4 and T3: Elevated
• TSI antibodies: Often positive in Graves disease

2. Thyroid Uptake Scan

This imaging test shows how much iodine your thyroid absorbs. In Graves disease, uptake is typically high and evenly distributed.

3. Physical Exam

Your doctor may check for:

• Thyroid enlargement
• Tremors
• Eye changes
• Rapid pulse

If you're experiencing symptoms like rapid heartbeat, unexplained weight loss, or tremors and want to understand if they could be related to Graves' Disease, a free AI-powered symptom checker can help you evaluate your symptoms and prepare for a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider.

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Medically Approved Treatment Options for Graves Disease

The good news: Graves disease is very treatable. The right treatment depends on your age, overall health, severity of symptoms, and personal preference.

1. Anti-Thyroid Medications

These drugs reduce thyroid hormone production.

Common examples:

• Methimazole
• Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Pros:

• Non-invasive
• May lead to remission in some patients

Cons:

• Requires regular blood monitoring
• Possible side effects (rash, liver issues, rare drop in white blood cells)

Many patients take medication for 12–18 months before reassessing.

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2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy

This treatment uses radioactive iodine to destroy overactive thyroid cells.

Pros:

• Highly effective
• Non-surgical

Cons:

• Often leads to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement
• Not typically used during pregnancy

This is one of the most common long-term treatments in adults.

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3. Thyroid Surgery (Thyroidectomy)

Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid.

Pros:

• Immediate control of hormone production
• Helpful if large goiter or suspicious nodules are present

Cons:

• Requires anesthesia
• Risk of complications (vocal cord nerve injury, calcium imbalance)
• Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement is usually needed

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4. Beta-Blockers (Symptom Control)

Medications like propranolol do not treat Graves disease itself but help manage symptoms like:

• Racing heart
• Tremors
• Anxiety

They are often prescribed at diagnosis while other treatments begin working.

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What Happens If Graves Disease Is Left Untreated?

It's important not to ignore symptoms. Untreated Graves disease can lead to:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Heart failure
• Osteoporosis
• Severe muscle weakness
• Vision damage from untreated eye disease

In rare cases, it can cause thyroid storm, a life-threatening surge of thyroid hormones that requires emergency care. Symptoms may include:

• Very high fever
• Severe agitation
• Confusion
• Rapid, irregular heartbeat

If you suspect this, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

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Lifestyle Support for Graves Disease

Medical treatment is essential, but supportive habits can help:

• Stop smoking (especially important for eye disease)
• Manage stress through exercise, meditation, or counseling
• Maintain regular sleep
• Follow up consistently with your doctor
• Eat a balanced diet (no extreme iodine intake without medical advice)

Avoid self-treating with supplements unless your doctor approves them. Some "thyroid support" supplements can worsen hyperthyroidism.

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When Should You Speak to a Doctor?

You should speak to a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent racing heart
• Unexplained weight loss
• New tremors
• Eye bulging or vision changes
• Severe anxiety with physical symptoms
• Neck swelling

Seek urgent care immediately if you have:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Extremely high heart rate

Graves disease is manageable—but only with proper medical supervision.

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The Bottom Line

Graves disease causes your immune system to overstimulate your thyroid, leading to excess thyroid hormone and symptoms like a racing heart, anxiety, weight loss, and sometimes eye changes.

While the symptoms can feel intense, effective treatments are available. With the right care plan, most people live full, healthy lives.

If your heart has been racing and something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. Start by checking whether your symptoms align with Graves' Disease using a free symptom assessment tool, then speak to a qualified healthcare professional to confirm a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

Any symptom involving your heart, vision, or severe physical changes deserves medical attention. When in doubt, speak to a doctor—especially if symptoms feel serious or life-threatening.

Taking action early can protect your heart, your thyroid, and your long-term health.