Anorexia and the heart

Preview

The heart is not spared the ravages of anorexia nervosa. Studies have shown that left ventricular function and myocardial mass are reduced and heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption in response to exercise are significantly less than normal in these patients. Dr Moodie reports results of testing of these patients by other investigators and by researchers at his own institution. He recommends continued cardiac monitoring during follow-up to assess the short- and long-term effects of anorexia nervosa on cardiac performance.