Eating Disorder
Every organ in the body is susceptible to injury from eating disorders, but the heart and circulatory systems are particularly vulnerable. For example, an eating disorder can harm the heart over time, leading to a heart attack. Research indicates that cardiac reasons account for at least one-third of fatalities in anorexic individuals.
One of the hallmarks of anorexia is significantly reduced calorie and food consumption, which frequently results in a low body mass index (BMI). These physical symptoms are commonly accompanied by a fear of eating, getting fat, or putting on weight despite being underweight.
When calorie intake is significantly restricted, the body begins to alter itself to conserve energy and remain alive. Because of this, muscles deteriorate, bones lose firmness, and skin and hair become dry. The heart goes through considerable changes, just like other muscles and organs. People who have anorexia frequently get arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.
Anorexia can be identified and diagnosed in several ways, including low blood pressure and heart rate. A long QT syndrome, a modest lengthening of a specific section of the heartbeat called the QT interval, is one particular heart rhythm anomaly identified in persons with anorexia. This alteration, associated with an increased risk of sudden death, can be shown on EKGs or echocardiograms.
