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Abnormal Heart Readings in Teens with
Eating Disorders
Scientists found that people with anorexia nervosa have
abnormal electrocardiograph readings.
An electrocardiogram (also referred to as an ECG or EKG)
is a graphic display of the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to detect things
like disturbances of the heart's rhythm or rate, the direction of the heart's electrical
flow and enlargement of the heart.
Working with 62 adolescents, researchers conducted
electrocardiogram tests and found that, in general, teens with anorexia nervosa had
abnormal readings, including lower heart rates. Teens with bulimia or another, unspecified
disorder did not appear to have heart problems.
The finding is significant because the mortality rate
associated with eating disorders is the highest of any major psychiatric disorder, with
many deaths occurring suddenly. Understanding the heart abnormalities associated with
these disorders could help doctors prevent serious injury and/or death in these
patients.
Anorexia nervosa affects nearly five per cent of women
aged 15 to 19, and bulimia nervosa occurs in one to five per cent of middle to older
adolescents; many teens without an official eating disorder diagnosis may also be
dangerously underweight. Excessive weight loss is associated with very serious medical
complications and sometimes severe emotional problems. |
