How Eating Disorders Affect Heart Health

When we work with patients to overcome their eating disorder, a key focus is on the psychological health, eating behaviors, and relationship with food a person has developed over the years. Many people aren’t aware, however, of the physical damage an eating disorder can cause. Over time, habits such as under-fueling, purging, and restriction have the potential to lead to long-term health conditions such as liver damage and heart disease. These behaviors place stress on the heart through malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances, causing various forms of heart dysfunction.

According to the CDC, heart disease is the cause of roughly one in every five deaths. Preventing heart complications is possible through eating disorder recovery, and another goal of nutrition therapy and ED treatment is to reduce the risk of developing lifelong health complications. 

How Do Different Eating Disorders Affect the Heart?

Each type of eating disorder can impact heart health differently, leading to various complications. 

How do Anorexia Nervosa and ARFID affect the heart?

Anorexia nervosa involves extreme calorie restriction, while ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is marked by limited eating due to food selectivity and lack of interest. Both can lead to malnutrition, causing the body to conserve energy. As a result, symptoms like a slowed heartbeat, low blood pressure, and eventually heart failure may occur. 

How does Binge Eating Disorder affect heart health?

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) involves episodes of eating large amounts of food quickly. Over time, this can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These factors put extra strain on the heart and can eventually lead to heart disease.

Bulimia Nervosa and heart problems: 

Bulimia nervosa is similar to binge eating disorder, with both involving episodes of eating large amounts of food. However, bulimia also includes purging afterward. Purging behaviors include self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, diuretic abuse, and excessive exercise. This binge-purge cycle can affect the heart. Purging can lead to electrolyte imbalances and weight loss, creating heart risks similar to those seen with anorexia nervosa and ARFID.

All three of these eating disorders can lead to heart weakness and failure caused by malnutrition.

Outpatient Medical Nutrition Therapy and Treatment for Eating Disorders:

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, know that seeking support is a vital step for your recovery. There is no shame in asking for help, and treatment can lead to long-term health and well-being.

The role of a registered dietitian is to provide support, guidance, and education around reinstating trust with the body and restoring weight to its set point. At Branz Nutrition Counseling, we provide outpatient medical nutrition therapy, allowing clients to access care without the added burden of an inpatient stay in a hospital or clinic. 

Click here to schedule an initial session and learn more about what a registered dietitian can do for you.

References

Binge Eating Disorder. (2023, January 31). Johns Hopkins Medicine. 

CDC. (2024, September 18). About Heart Disease. Heart Disease. 

How Anorexia Impacts Your Heart. (n.d.). Northwestern Medicine. Retrieved February 1, 2025, from