Anorexia nervosa and cardiovascular disease:a narrative review

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder with one of the highest mortality rates among mental illnesses. Cardiovascular complications seem to account for more than half of all deaths. The aim of this review is to summarize the cardiac manifestations of AN and provide guidance for their diagnosis and management. Structural alterations, electrocardiogram abnormalities and hemodynamic changes are the most common cardiovascular manifestations in AN. High clinical suspicion and vigilance are of great importance, as cardiovascular complications in AN are potentially fatal. Avoidance of drugs with cardiovascular side effects is also crucial, while nutritional rehabilitation can stabilize and even reverse overt cardiovascular alterations.