Binge and purge behavior also has an impact on the cardiovascular response to stress. One way to evaluate the stress response and function of the autonomic nervous system is to measure heart rate variability. Patients with bulimia nervosa show high heart rate stress reactivity. Patients with both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa display abnormal sympathetic-vagal control of their heart rate variability as measured by a tilt-table test with impaired sympathetic activation and prominent vagal activity.
This dis-regulation of heart rate and blood pressure can lead to inadequate blood flow to the organs, especially the brain, and can cause vasovagal syncope or a temporary loss of consciousness. Patients with bulimia nervosa should be monitored for these cardiovascular complications. Even during recovery, patients with bulimia nervosa experience effects on their cardiovascular health. While these cardiac complications are known, it is far less clear how aggressively practitioners should screen for complications with bulimia or monitor for ongoing risk after initial diagnosis.
A screening Electrocardiogram EKG is recommended and may be helpful in patients with frequent purging, electrolyte abnormalities or low body weight. It is also prudent to obtain an EKG if patients are taking new medications with known effects on cardiac conduction or if patients complain of palpitations or chest pain. Patients with a history of structural cardiac abnormalities, ipecac use, EKG abnormalities, weakness, edema, or heart murmurs may be candidates for echocardiography.
Very low heart rates, irregular heart rates and periods of dizziness, or shortness of breath may also warrant further investigation with an extended EKG event monitor. Electrolyte screening is also recommended. Hypokalemia, however, occurs in only 4. We suggest checking electrolytes and postural vital signs blood pressure and pulse regularly in patients who continue to purge daily, in adolescents, in those who have recently struggled with more frequent purging, and in those who have significant signs and symptoms of dehydration or a history of electrolyte abnormalities.
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This should be done carefully with experienced healthcare providers who will monitor vital signs and electrolytes closely. Changes in heart structure — The heart is a muscle. Muscles need fuel to stay strong. The most serious consequence of the loss of muscle mass is in the left ventricle. Known as the power chamber of the heart, the left ventricle is responsible for pumping fresh blood throughout the body. When the left ventricle is weak, this can lead to fainting, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
It can also compromise the function of the nearby mitral valve. Over time, the changes in heart function and structure can lead to another potentially life-threatening consequences — heart failure.
In heart failure, the chronic malnutrition causes the heart muscle to become weaker and weaker and less able to pump the blood that the body needs. It may be difficult to take that first step, but the most effective treatment for disordered eating is often a combination of therapy and the support of a nutritionist to ensure your emotional and physical needs are both met.
What medication to have on hand, how to store it, and how and when to get rid of it. How Anorexia Impacts Your Heart Disordered eating affects and is affected by your physical, psychological and social health. Other affects of anorexia on the heart include: Abnormally slow heart rate bradycardia when weak heart muscles cannot pump at a healthy rate. Low blood pressure as a result of slow heart rate.
Deteriorating heart muscle along with other muscles in the body, creating larger chambers and weaker walls, which in turn make pumping more difficult. Loss of reflex to constrict blood vessels to raise blood pressure.
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