What heart problems are caused by bulimia?
It causes irreversible damage to cardiac cells leading to cardiomyopathy with ventricular dysfunction, congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, and even sudden cardiac death. Binge and purge behavior also has an impact on the cardiovascular response to stress.
How does bulimia cause irregular heartbeat?
Frequent purging can cause dehydration. This leads to weak muscles and extreme fatigue. It can also throw your electrolytes out of balance and put strain on your heart. This can cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and in some severe cases, a weakened heart muscle and heart failure.
Can bulimia cause long term heart problems?
Conclusions and Relevance This study’s findings suggest that bulimia nervosa may be associated with the long-term risk of any cardiovascular disease, such as ischemic cardiac events and conduction disorders, as well as with death among women.
Can bulimia cause coronary heart disease?
Women hospitalized with bulimia were more than five times more likely to have heart attacks and more than six times more likely to have coronary artery disease. They were also almost seven times more likely to develop hardening of the arteries.
Does bulimia cause heart palpitations?
Frequent cycles of binging and purging put severe stress on your body. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, your heart is not built to withstand laxative use or daily vomiting. This type of stress may cause arrhythmia, heart palpitations, heart attacks, or death.
Are there any health risks associated with bulimia?
Specific health risks of bulimia include: Cardiac complications (irregular heartbeat and heart failure stemming from electrolyte imbalances) Dehydration. Edema (stemming from periods of purging cessation)
What kind of eating disorder is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia is an eating disorder. It is characterized by uncontrolled episodes of overeating (called bingeing). This is followed by purging by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, and other methods. Bulimia typically affects females and starts during the teenage years.
Can a person with bulimia die without treatment?
Without treatment, bulimia can cause death. Bulimia is classified as a serious mental health disorder and recognized in the definitive guide for clinicians, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders – 5. The main hallmark of bulimia is bingeing.
What are the hallmarks of a bulimia binge?
The main hallmark of bulimia is bingeing. During a binge, a person will typically consume a large volume of high-calorie foods in a short period of time (usually in one sitting and up to 3,000 calories or more). People report that they feel out of control and cannot stop themselves during a binge.