Symptoms Of Graves' Disease

Heart Palpitations

The excess thyroid hormones produced due to hyperthyroidism cause the heart to beat fast and to work very hard. Individuals with Graves' disease often report it feels like their heart is beating irregularly in addition to beating too fast, a symptom commonly referred to as heart palpitations. A physician can easily verify the patient's heart is beating quickly and irregularly by counting the pulse and listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Unfortunately, this symptom is found in all forms of hyperthyroidism and a number of other health conditions, so it is not specific for Graves' disease, but it can be used in the diagnostic workup.

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Thyroid Gland Enlargement

Thyroid gland enlargement, usually referred to as a goiter, is a common symptom of many different thyroid conditions. Goiters frequently form in patients with Graves' disease and are referred to as diffuse thyrotoxic goiters. Large goiters can cause coughing, difficulty breathing while sleeping, and issues swallowing. The most common cause of a goiter is a lack of dietary iodine, but they can also form in response to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and also if a growth develops on the thyroid. Thus, the presence of a goiter indicates some form of thyroid dysfunction, but is not entirely specific to Graves' disease.

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