How Eating Disorders Can Damage the Heart — and How Understanding This Can Help You
Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, can have devastating effects on the body, especially the heart. Every 52 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies from an eating disorder, with many of these deaths linked to cardiovascular complications. Understanding how eating disorders harm the heart can help people seek the right care and support for recovery.
How Eating Disorders Affect the Heart
- Malnutrition and the Shrinking Heart
In anorexia, severe weight loss and malnutrition can cause the heart muscle to shrink. This can lead to a dangerously slow heart rate, known as bradycardia, where the heart beats fewer than 60 times per minute. This happens because the body slows down to conserve energy, much like a hibernating animal. Over time, this can lead to irregular heart rhythms and life-threatening complications. - Electrolyte Imbalances in Bulimia
For people with bulimia, frequent vomiting and laxative use can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, congestive heart failure, and even sudden cardiac death. Some people also use substances like ipecac to induce vomiting, which can severely damage the heart. - Additional Risks
Other complications, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), can occur. POTS causes a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fainting when standing up, due to reduced blood flow to the heart.
Why This Information Matters
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, understanding how it affects your heart can help you see the urgency of seeking help. Heart complications can be severe, but recovery is possible with the right care.
Rebuilding heart health involves restoring proper nutrition and addressing the eating disorder simultaneously. This process must be done carefully to avoid risks like refeeding syndrome, which can occur when nutrition is reintroduced too quickly.
What You Can Do
- Know the Signs
Symptoms of heart damage from eating disorders include chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. If you notice these signs, it’s crucial to seek medical help. - Seek Professional Support
Recovery isn’t just about eating more—it’s about healing the underlying issues. Depending on the severity, you may need to work with a counselor, join an eating disorder program, or even receive hospital care. - Understand It’s Not Your Fault
Eating disorders aren’t a choice. They are often linked to genetics or life experiences. Recognizing this can help you let go of shame and focus on getting better.
A Path to Healing
Though the effects of eating disorders on the heart can be serious, they are often reversible with proper treatment. Gaining the courage to reach out for support can be life-saving. Whether you talk to a trusted counselor, a specialist, or a close loved one, taking the first step can set you on the path to healing—not just for your heart but for your whole self.
If you’re reading this and struggling, remember: help is available, and recovery is possible. You’re not alone.
To book an appointment or for more information please Just call us or use the contact form
Tel: 07922118808