Symptom Combination

Fatigue and Palpitations: Causes, Conditions & When to See a Doctor

Early recognition of Hyperthyroidism is critical — treatment initiated at the earliest stage is significantly more effective and prevents long-term complications. Understanding the subtle initial presentations allows patients and clinicians to act before the condition progresses.

→ Fatigue Overview → Palpitations Overview

Possible Causes of Fatigue and Palpitations

Conditions that commonly cause both symptoms together

1Early Hyperthyroidism often produces non-specific symptoms: fatigue, malaise, or mild discomfort
2Early warning signs may include: palpitations, weight loss, anxiety, tremor
3Subclinical changes in blood tests, blood pressure, or weight often precede overt symptoms
4Family history and risk factors increase the probability that vague symptoms represent early Hyperthyroidism
5Screening programmes are designed specifically to detect Hyperthyroidism before symptoms appear
6Core management targets: reducing palpitations, weight loss, anxiety and preventing disease progression

Emergency Red Flags

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these

Any of the characteristic symptoms of Hyperthyroidism — even mild — in a high-risk individual

Progressive worsening of early warning signs over weeks

Laboratory abnormalities (e.g., blood sugar, inflammatory markers) without full symptoms

Unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fatigue persisting >2 weeks

Strong family history of Hyperthyroidism combined with new relevant symptoms

When to See a Doctor

Schedule a medical consultation if you notice these signs

You have risk factors for Hyperthyroidism and develop any of the characteristic early symptoms

Screening tests return borderline or abnormal results

You have a strong family history and have not yet been screened for Hyperthyroidism

Scheduled monitoring appointments — do not skip even when feeling well

Conditions That Cause Both Fatigue and Palpitations

21 conditions are associated with this symptom combination

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up metabolism. It causes weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, and heat intolerance. Graves' disease is the most common cause.

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, characterized by excessive fear, worry, or nervousness that interferes with daily activities. Types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety.

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It is a chronic condition that causes fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention (edema). It requires ongoing medical management.

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia refers to irregular heart rhythms â€” the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others (like atrial fibrillation) significantly increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is narrowing of the aortic valve opening, restricting blood flow from the heart. It causes exertional chest pain, syncope, and heart failure; valve replacement is required for severe symptomatic disease.

Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease includes mitral regurgitation (valve leaking) and mitral stenosis (valve narrowing), causing symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue, and palpitations. Rheumatic heart disease is a major cause worldwide.

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, most commonly caused by viral infections (particularly enteroviruses). It can present with chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and in severe cases, heart failure or sudden death.

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), causing sharp, pleuritic chest pain that improves when leaning forward. Viral infections are the most common cause; NSAIDs are the primary treatment.

Explore Individual Symptoms

In-depth pages for each symptom in this combination

Fatigue — Full Overview Causes Treatment When to See a Doctor Related Questions

Palpitations — Full Overview Causes Treatment When to See a Doctor Related Questions

Medical Questions About Fatigue and Palpitations

Evidence-based answers from medical experts

Early Signs of Hyperthyroidism How to Manage Hyperthyroidism Early Signs of Anxiety Disorder How to Manage Anxiety Disorder Early Signs of Heart Failure How to Manage Heart Failure Early Signs of Cardiac Arrhythmia How to Manage Cardiac Arrhythmia

Clinical Matches — Authority Pages

Condition-level differential and comparison resources for this combination

Differential analyses:

🔬Atrial Fibrillation: differential →🔬Myocarditis: differential →🔬Cardiomyopathy: differential →

Condition comparisons:

⇄Atrial Fibrillation vs Hyperthyroidism →⇄Heart Failure vs Pulmonary Hypertension →

Experiencing Fatigue and Palpitations?

Get a personalised AI clinical assessment — possible causes, red flags, and recommended next steps.