Racing Heart? Why Your Body Is Overheating: The Graves' Disease Medical Guide to Relief

If your heart feels like it's racing for no clear reason and you're constantly overheated—even when others are comfortable—you may be wondering what's going on. One possible cause is Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that speeds up your body in ways that can feel overwhelming.

While these symptoms can be alarming, they are treatable. Understanding what's happening inside your body is the first step toward relief.

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What Is Graves' Disease?

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes your thyroid gland to become overactive. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate your metabolism—how your body uses energy.

In Graves' disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid. This causes it to release too much thyroid hormone, a condition known as hyperthyroidism.

When thyroid hormone levels are too high, your body shifts into overdrive. Everything speeds up:

• Heart rate
• Body temperature
• Digestion
• Energy use
• Brain activity

That's why symptoms like a racing heart and overheating are common.

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Why Does Graves' Disease Cause a Racing Heart?

Thyroid hormones directly affect your heart. When levels are elevated:

• Your heart beats faster than normal (tachycardia)
• Your heartbeat may feel forceful or pounding
• You may notice palpitations (fluttering or skipped beats)
• Your blood pressure may rise

In some cases, untreated Graves' disease can lead to irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation, especially in older adults.

A persistent resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute is not normal and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

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Why Do You Feel So Hot All the Time?

If you feel overheated even in cool rooms, you're not imagining it.

Thyroid hormone increases your body's metabolic rate. This means:

• You burn more energy at rest
• Your body produces more internal heat
• You sweat more easily
• You may have warm, moist skin

Many people with Graves' disease describe:

• Heat intolerance
• Excessive sweating
• Flushing
• Trouble sleeping due to feeling too warm

This internal "overheating" can also contribute to fatigue—even though your body feels wired.

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Other Common Symptoms of Graves' Disease

While a racing heart and heat intolerance are hallmark symptoms, Graves' disease often affects multiple systems.

Physical Symptoms

• Unexplained weight loss (despite normal or increased appetite)
• Tremors (shaky hands)
• Muscle weakness
• Frequent bowel movements
• Thinning hair
• Changes in menstrual cycles

Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms

• Anxiety or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness
• Mood swings

Eye Changes (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)

Some people develop eye symptoms, including:

• Bulging eyes
• Gritty or dry sensation
• Light sensitivity
• Double vision

Not everyone with Graves' disease develops eye problems, but it's a well-recognized complication.

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Who Is at Risk for Graves' Disease?

Graves' disease can affect anyone, but it is more common in:

• Women (especially ages 20–50)
• People with a family history of thyroid disease
• Individuals with other autoimmune conditions
• Smokers (higher risk of eye complications)

Stress, pregnancy, and certain infections may trigger symptoms in people who are genetically predisposed.

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When Is It an Emergency?

Most cases develop gradually. However, in rare situations, untreated Graves' disease can lead to thyroid storm, a life-threatening complication.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Very high fever
• Severe rapid heart rate
• Confusion or agitation
• Chest pain
• Fainting

While thyroid storm is uncommon, persistent severe symptoms should never be ignored.

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How Is Graves' Disease Diagnosed?

A doctor will usually begin with:

• A physical exam
• Blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4)
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels

In Graves' disease:

• T3 and T4 are high
• TSH is low

Additional tests may check for specific antibodies that confirm the autoimmune cause.

If you're experiencing symptoms like a racing heart, heat intolerance, or unexplained weight loss and want to understand whether they could be related to Graves' Disease, Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker can help you assess your risk in just a few minutes before your doctor's appointment.

This tool is not a diagnosis—but it can help guide your next steps.

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Treatment Options for Graves' Disease

The good news: Graves' disease is highly treatable. The right approach depends on your age, overall health, and severity of symptoms.

1. Anti-Thyroid Medications

These drugs reduce the amount of thyroid hormone your body produces.

• Often the first treatment option
• May be used long-term or short-term
• Require regular blood monitoring

Many people improve significantly within weeks to months.

2. Beta-Blockers

These medications do not treat the thyroid itself, but they:

• Slow the heart rate
• Reduce tremors
• Ease anxiety symptoms

They are often prescribed temporarily while other treatments take effect.

3. Radioactive Iodine Therapy

This treatment gradually shrinks the overactive thyroid.

• Common and effective
• Often leads to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), which is treated with replacement hormone
• Not typically used during pregnancy

4. Surgery (Thyroidectomy)

Removal of part or all of the thyroid may be recommended in certain cases, such as:

• Large goiter
• Severe eye disease
• Medication intolerance

After surgery, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement is required.

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Practical Ways to Find Relief Now

While medical treatment is essential, there are supportive steps you can take:

For a Racing Heart

• Avoid caffeine and stimulants
• Practice slow, controlled breathing
• Stay hydrated
• Monitor your resting heart rate

For Overheating

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing
• Keep rooms cool
• Use fans when sleeping
• Stay well hydrated

These measures help manage symptoms—but they do not replace medical care.

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The Emotional Side of Graves' Disease

Because thyroid hormones affect brain chemistry, anxiety and irritability are common. Many people worry they're "losing control" when, in reality, their body chemistry is out of balance.

It's important to understand:

• These symptoms are biological, not personal weakness
• Treatment often improves emotional symptoms significantly
• Mental health support can be helpful during recovery

You're not imagining your symptoms. And you're not alone.

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Speak to a Doctor

If you have a persistent racing heart, heat intolerance, unexplained weight loss, or anxiety that feels physical rather than situational, speak to a doctor promptly.

Untreated Graves' disease can lead to:

• Heart rhythm problems
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Muscle weakness
• Serious complications in rare cases

Early treatment greatly reduces these risks.

If symptoms feel severe, worsening, or life-threatening—such as chest pain, fainting, or confusion—seek immediate medical attention.

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The Bottom Line

A racing heart and constant overheating are not symptoms you should ignore. Graves' disease is a common and treatable cause of these issues. When thyroid hormones surge, your body shifts into high gear—but medical care can bring it back into balance.

With proper treatment:

• Heart rate stabilizes
• Heat intolerance improves
• Energy levels normalize
• Long-term complications can be prevented

If you're unsure whether your symptoms point to Graves' disease, using a free AI-powered symptom checker can help you understand your symptoms better and prepare meaningful questions before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Relief is possible. The key is recognizing the signs and taking action early.