According to Dr. Manjinder Sandhu, Director of the Department of Cardiology, Fortis Hospital (Gurgaon, India), eating disorders have long been misunderstood as a psychological problem or a simple lifestyle. However, this is a serious group of diseases that can affect many organs in the body, especially the cardiovascular system.
Disorders such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating can all cause serious damage to the heart, even life-threatening, according to Onlymyhealth.
The impact of eating disorders on the heart
Loss of mental hunger: This is a serious lack of energy and nutrients in the body, directly affecting the heart. This reduces your metabolism, causing your heart rate to slow down, your blood pressure to drop, and your ability to pump blood decreases. If prolonged, the heart muscle can contract, increasing the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular complications.
Nausea: Nausea is often accompanied by behaviors such as self-complaining or taking laxatives. These actions cause dehydration and electrolytes such as potassium, sodium and magnesium, which are essential to maintain a stable heart rate. When electrolyte imbalance is lost, the patient can have arrhythmia, chest drumsticks, and even sudden cardiac arrest in severe cases.
Eating binge: Unlike anorexia, binge eating disorder leads to rapid weight gain, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. All of these factors contribute to atherosclerosis, which causes stress on the heart, and increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Recognize warning signs
Cardiovascular problems caused by eating disorders often progress silently and are difficult to recognize. Some warning signs may include:
Facial collapse, fainting
Chest pain, especially when trying
Feeling of chest drums, unusual heartbeat
Extreme fatigue
swollen ankles or feet
If you are experiencing the above symptoms and have a history of eating disorders, you should see a cardiologist as soon as possible.
How to protect your heart when you have an eating disorder
Consult an expert: Treatment requires coordination between a cardiologist, nutritionist and psychologist to provide comprehensive physical and mental support.
Regular cardiovascular monitoring: Do an electrocardiogram (ECG), get blood tests and check your heart function regularly to detect abnormalities early.
Eat a balanced diet: Maintain a diet of adequate energy and nutrition under the guidance of experts, avoid sudden weight gain or loss.
mental health care: Regulate emotions, learn to love yourself, and build healthy relationships with food to improve both your psychology and your cardiovascular health.
