Hypothyroidism and Heart Palpitations: Causes, Risks, and Relief Strategies

Table of Contents

Although not among the most common symptoms in hypothyroidism, heart palpitations can still happen. Thyroid hormones affect the cardiovascular system and may cause your heart rate to either speed up or slow down. You may become more aware of your heart rate if it becomes irregular or changes pace.

Individuals with hypothyroidism are more likely to feel heart palpitations if anemia, electrolyte imbalance, or heart disease is also present. Palpitations are seen more in people with hyperthyroidism, which is the overproduction of the thyroid hormone. 

Are you living with hypothyroidism and looking to build a healthier lifestyle to better manage your symptoms? HealthierU is here to help you get to the cause of your problem through natural diet and lifestyle changes. Dr. Sergi is committed to supporting her patients’ health and long-term wellness through a holistic approach.

Your path to a healthier you starts here. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.

Hypothyroidism may sometimes cause heart palpitations due to low thyroid hormone levels, reducing the heart’s ability to maintain a strong, steady rhythm.

Potential reasons hypothyroidism may lead to heart palpitations include:

• Your thyroid hormone replacement dosage is too high
• The change in your metabolism due to the low amounts of thyroid hormone
• The increase in your blood pressure
• The development of pericardial effusion
  

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. When you’re prescribed thyroid medication to boost hormone levels, the dosage may sometimes be too high, leading to overcorrection. If your dose is too high, it can cause hyperthyroidism, potentially resulting in a rapid heart rate, anxiety, and heart palpitations.

The thyroid hormone helps regulate how fast and strong your heart rate is. If your body is underproducing thyroid hormones, it may result in a slower heartbeat. Although your heart is pumping more slowly, your body still needs to circulate blood and oxygen throughout your body. This may result in an irregular or faster heartbeat as it is trying to compensate for the lack of help from the thyroid.

Due to low thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism may cause various conditions that contribute to heart palpitations by influencing how the heart beats and functions.

Conditions that may contribute to heart palpitations include:

• Pericardial effusion – The presence of excess fluid in the sac surrounding your heart can affect its functionality.
• High blood pressure – The force of blood pushing against your artery walls can cause a strain on your heart.
• Increased cholesterol – Arteries can become narrow or clogged, which makes it harder for your heart to pump blood throughout your body.
• Low blood sugar levels – Your body’s response is to release a hormone called epinephrine, which may affect your heartbeat.
• Anemia – The low levels of healthy red blood cells can cause your heart to work harder.

Although not all these tips are specific to hypothyroidism, they are valuable first steps for anyone experiencing heart palpitations to start managing their health. Implementing these strategies may help reduce the risk of palpitations.

Consider having your thyroid hormone replacement dosage reassessed. If you are experiencing heart palpitations, your current dosage may be too high, and instead of restoring your thyroid hormone levels to a healthy range, it may be providing an excess amount, leading to too much hormone in your system.

Taking too much thyroid medication may also lead to symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Weight loss
• Excessive sweating
• Fatigue
• Tremors or shakiness
• Problems sleeping
  
  

Contact your primary doctor to have your thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels checked and ensure they’re properly balanced. Discuss the possible side effects of the medications and whether your palpitations need to be monitored.

Medications may need to be monitored, and follow-ups may be required after a dosage is decided. Your dosing needs to be precise to properly balance your thyroid hormone levels. Doctors may monitor your thyroid levels and adjust your medication as needed until they remain stable, and will often retest if new symptoms or changes arise.

Situations where your dosage may need to be adjusted include:

• Weight change – Gaining or losing significant weight can affect how your body uses thyroid hormone.
• Aging – As you get older, your metabolism and how your body processes hormones can change.
• Pregnancy and postpartum – Thyroid hormone levels may need to be increased during pregnancy and readjusted during postpartum.
• Other medications – Starting or changing the dosage of certain drugs can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication, requiring your levels to be tested and reevaluated. 
  

A study of 190 patients found that 43% of reported palpitations were linked to psychiatric causes. Implementing stress management strategies may help control the stress hormones that can increase the risk of heart palpitations.

Options for stress management include:

• Low-intensity exercise
• Yoga
• Breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Adequate sleep
  

Individuals who have persistent heart palpitations may need medication to help reduce or prevent the occurrence of their symptoms. A cardiologist will prescribe beta-blockers to slow down your heart rate and help improve the function of your heart. Along with slowing down your heart rate, beta-blockers reduce your heart's response to adrenaline, which can lead to a regular rhythm and improved blood flow.

Maintaining balanced electrolytes is a critical part of supporting your heart health. Electrolytes are responsible for regulating electrical signals that control your heartbeat. Whether through a balanced diet or supplements, maintaining the right electrolyte levels is essential for supporting heart function.

Key electrolytes that help maintain a healthy heart are:

• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Sodium 
  

If you are smoking and experiencing heart palpitations, quitting smoking may reduce the risk of repeating symptoms. Nicotine stimulates the central nervous system, causing an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and the force of heart contractions. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, resulting in stress and strain on your heart due to overexertion.

Caffeine, especially consumed by those who have thyroid issues, anxiety, or existing heart issues, may cause heart palpitations. Consuming caffeine triggers the release of noradrenaline, which may raise heart rate and blood pressure in certain individuals.



A study of 4558 Australians found that 60% of men and 70% of women who drink coffee are more likely to report heart palpitations than those who do not consume coffee. Removing coffee from your diet may reduce the risk of palpitations.

Determining what’s behind your heart palpitations is an important step in protecting your overall health. If you have hypothyroidism, your condition may not be the underlying reason for your symptoms. Your palpitations could be linked to a more serious condition that may impact your health and well-being.



Other various causes that may result in heart palpitations include:

• Anemia
• Sleep apnea
• Low blood sugar
• Arrhythmia
• Certain medical conditions
  

Individuals with excess body weight are at higher risk for conditions such as: 

• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes
• Heart disease 
  
  

When hypothyroidism is present, these conditions may trigger or worsen heart palpitations, especially if thyroid medication doses are too high.

At HealthierU, we create personalized diet plans tailored to your unique needs. Managing weight can help reduce the risk of heart palpitations, since excess body mass increases the workload on your heart. Our lifestyle programs are designed to support you in building lasting, healthy habits and reaching your wellness goals.

Call us today or request a free consultation by submitting a request online. Let’s begin your journey to a healthier, happier you.

High blood pressure and cholesterol can put extra strain on your heart. High LDL cholesterol can create buildup in your arteries, reducing the blood flow and possibly increasing the risk of heart palpitations. 



The heart of individuals with hypothyroidism tends to beat more slowly and weakly; this can result in high blood pressure, causing the blood vessels to constrict to regulate blood flow. Because of the constricted blood vessels, the heart has to work harder, possibly leading to an irregular heartbeat and palpitations. 

Experiencing heart palpitations can be concerning. 



At HealthierU, we address the root of your symptoms and take a holistic approach to enhance your overall health and wellness. Our approach offers natural nutrition and lifestyle support designed to help you achieve your goals and feel your best.

Are you ready to become a healthier you, so your body can begin to function at its best? 

Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you thrive.