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Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder characterized by a cycle of restricting food, binging, and purging. It's a potentially life-threatening illness that can impact the health and function of vital organs, such as the heart. But can your heart recover from bulimia nervosa? Understanding how BN affects your cardiovascular health and its impacts on your heart is an essential part of the healing journey.
Research finds bulimia nervosa is associated with short-term and long-term cardiovascular complications, particularly among women. Those conditions include heart disease, atherosclerosis, cardiac conduction defects, and other cardiac complications.1
Dehydration is one of the factors that can affect a person with bulimia's cardiovascular health. Purging episodes, whether through vomiting or laxative use, dehydrate the body, meaning there are not enough fluids to keep the body functioning correctly. When the body is dehydrated, it takes more work for the heart to pump blood, causing the heart rate to increase or become irregular. Dehydration can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, putting strain on the heart and increasing the risk of heart disease.2
Signs of dehydration include:3
Potassium plays an essential role in preventing calcium buildup within the arteries. When too much calcium and other substances are in the arteries, they start to harden, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.4
Some of the effects bulimia has on the heart are treatable. For example, if someone is dehydrated or has an electrolyte imbalance, the individual can work with a registered dietitian or another medical professional to rehydrate and replenish the body. Doctors can also provide treatment to help with conditions such as high blood pressure through diet changes and medications. Unfortunately, bulimia can cause irreversible conditions, such as heart failure. Heart failure is a chronic condition that needs lifelong management.
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Even though the heart may not always fully recover from bulimia, it's never too late to seek treatment options to strengthen the heart and decrease the risk of further complications. It takes courage to start the healing process, but the key is finding trusted and compassionate experts for guidance. The Within Health team understands the complexity of bulimia and provides evidence-based treatments personalized to fit each individual.
Recovery is possible. Reach out to the team at Within Health to start healing from bulimia.
Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.
Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.
Bulimia nervosa isn't the only eating disorder that can have a negative effect on your heart. Other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa also deplete your body of essential nutrients that can lead to an increased risk of congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
Bulimia can lead to various heart complications, including:1
Cardiac complications resulting from bulimia nervosa may result in sudden death. Some research shows that women may be at a higher risk of developing medical complications related to the heart and sudden death.1
