Tachycardia - A Symptom of Thyroid Problems

Saturday, August 25, 2012 | Unknown at 8:47 AM |

Have you ever heard someone using the term tachycardia? It refers to a heart rate that is higher than the normal range, as measured when the person is at rest -- such as sleeping or otherwise not active. The particular figure at which someone's heart rate is considered high enough to qualify as this varies based upon the patient's age. However, once reaching adulthood (defined here as 15 years old) that number is simply any rate beyond 100 beats per minute.

Now, let's take into consideration some of the thyroid problems that could be behind tachycardia. Keep in mind that this is not intended to be exhaustive, and many non-thyroid issues can also lead to this raised heart rate.

Graves' disease

This medical issue is the most frequent cause of cases of hyperthyroidism. Additionally, it can be noted that it is autoimmune in nature. Aside from having tachycardia, a patient with Graves' disease might exhibit other symptoms such as eye bulging, goiter, weakness in the muscles, etc.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT)

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common reason behind hypothyroidism. HT is also an autoimmune condition. Although it can provoke an increased heart rate, it is also possible for it to lead to a slowed beat, otherwise known as bradycardia. High cholesterol is another symptom that may result. One other possible symptom is a change in weight, which may be either a gain or reduction.

Thyroid storm

Although thyroid storm is rare, when it does occur it is life-threatening. It can occur in different situations, one of which is if the patient stops using medicine for his hyperthyroidism. Lung infections may also lead to it. Along with the possibility of a rapid heart rate, other symptoms that may show up include shortness of breath and disorientation. Some of the other potential symptoms are pain in the chest and a particularly high temperature that may reach all the way up to 106 F.