CA
A 21-year-old female asked:
What happens to the heart when a person has anorexia nervosa?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Edward Kuhnleyanswered
Child Psychiatry 47 years experience
Anorexia nervosa : Can have numerous complications. Death may occur suddenly & may result from abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or an imbalance of electrolytes—minerals such as sodium, potassium & calcium that maintain the balance of fluids in your body. Heart problems may include mitral valve prolapse, abnormal heart rhythms & heart failure. A person with anorexia nervosa requires medical & psychiatric care.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed Dec 09, 2022
Dr. Carlos Satulovskyanswered
Psychiatry 30 years experience
Risk: The heart is at risk of potentially severe problems, like arrythmias (for different causes: electrolytes imbalances, anatomic changes, etc) always depending on the degree/stage of the disease, personal medical/family history and genetic factors. In short, anorexia nervosa is no good for the heart.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 9, 2022
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