Eating Disorders and Heart Health
Eating disorders do not only affect thoughts, emotions and a person's relationship with food. They can also affect the body physically - including circulation, heart rate, blood pressure, heart rhythm and the balance of fluids and electrolytes.
This resource has been created because cardiovascular risk cannot be judged simply by looking at somebody.
Restriction, malnutrition, vomiting, laxative or diuretic misuse, dehydration, rapid changes in eating or weight, and compulsive exercise can all place stress on the body. People can experience medically important complications across different body sizes.
INSIDE THIS FULL GUIDE
• why eating disorders can affect the cardiovascular system
• slow heart rate and why it should not automatically be assumed to mean somebody is simply fit
• low blood pressure, dizziness and fainting
• circulation changes and feeling cold
• heart-rhythm changes
• why electrolytes such as potassium matter
• vomiting, laxative/diuretic misuse and fluid loss
• dehydration and changes in circulation
• why purging is not made safe by somebody's body size
• what an ECG is and why clinicians may use one
• restriction, undernutrition and changes to heart function
• orthostatic/postural symptoms
• compulsive exercise and why medical safety matters
• refeeding and why higher-risk situations require appropriate monitoring
• how restoring nutrition can support physical recovery
• what medical monitoring may involve
• pulse, blood pressure, blood tests and ECG considerations
• information to take to a GP or eating-disorder appointment
• useful questions to ask a clinician
• guidance for partners, families, friends and carers
• a heart-health reflection and safety-planning worksheet
• prompts to record symptoms and eating-disorder behaviours honestly
• a tailored message from Space to Breathe Therapy
• recommended books, UK resources and clinical references
PHYSICAL RISK CANNOT BE READ FROM APPEARANCE
A person does not need to look a particular way before dizziness, fainting, palpitations, weakness, dehydration or other physical symptoms deserve attention.
The guide encourages people to be open with healthcare professionals about restriction, vomiting, laxative or diuretic use, fasting, bingeing, exercise and changes in fluid intake. These details can be important when deciding what physical checks are needed.
It also explains that medical monitoring is individual. Not every person needs every test, but depending on symptoms and risk factors a clinician may consider observations such as pulse and blood pressure, blood tests, hydration, kidney function, electrolyte levels or an ECG.
This guide is intended to help people understand why physical monitoring is part of eating-disorder treatment - without frightening or shaming them.
It is informed by NICE eating-disorder guidance, NHS information and Beat resources. It is educational and supportive and does not replace individual medical assessment or specialist eating-disorder treatment.
Space to Breathe Therapy
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