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Cardiac changes in anorexia nervosa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 January 2016

Michael A. Spaulding-Barclay ,
Jessica Stern  and
Philip S. Mehler
Michael A. Spaulding-Barclay
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Eating Recovery Center, Denver, Colorado, United States of America Department of Medicine, Eating Recovery Center, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
Jessica Stern
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Eating Recovery Center, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
Philip S. Mehler*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Eating Recovery Center, Denver, Colorado, United States of America Department of Medicine, Eating Recovery Center and Denver Health, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
*
Correspondence to: P. S. Mehler, MD, FAED, FACP, c/o Denver Health, 777 Bannock Street, MC4000, Denver, CO 80204, United States of America. Tel: 303 602 4972; Fax: 303-602-4975; E-mail: PMehler@dhha.org
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Abstract

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder, which is associated with many different medical complications as a result of the weight loss and malnutrition that characterise this illness. It has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. A large portion of deaths are attributable to the cardiac abnormalities that ensue as a result of the malnutrition associated with anorexia nervosa. In this review, the cardiac complications of anorexia nervosa will be discussed.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review on cardiac changes in anorexia nervosa was carried out.

Results

There are structural, functional, and rhythm-type changes that occur in patients with anorexia nervosa. These become progressively significant as ongoing weight loss occurs.

Conclusion

Cardiac changes are inherent to anorexia nervosa and they become more life-threatening and serious as the anorexia nervosa becomes increasingly severe. Weight restoration and attention to these cardiac changes are crucial for a successful treatment outcome.

Keywords

Anorexia nervosacardiovascularbradycardiaventricularmalnutrition

Information

Type
Review Articles
Information
Cardiology in the Young , Volume 26 , Issue 4 , April 2016 , pp. 623 - 628
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2016 

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