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Eating disorders pose a severe threat to heart health, with leading experts warning against the lethal cardiovascular complications associated with these conditions.

Dr. Philip Mehler, founder and medical director of the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition, has pointed out the detrimental effects of eating disorders on the heart, noting that cardiovascular complications are more prevalent in severe cases.

"The heart is severely affected by weight loss and malnutrition," Mehler, said according to Heart.org. 

"The more severe the disorder, the more likely the person will have cardiac complications."

Common eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are characterized by an unhealthy fixation on weight and distorted body image.

Anorexia involves severe food restriction and excessive exercise, while bulimia is marked by binge eating followed by purging behaviors.

Dr. Riti Patel of the Lankenau Heart Institute has warned of various cardiovascular issues, ranging from slowed heart rate to heart failure, associated with eating disorders.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, founder of the Gaudiani Clinic, has stressed the impact of malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances on heart function, particularly in individuals with anorexia and bulimia.

Anorexia-induced malnutrition can lead to a shrinkage of the heart muscle and abnormal heart rhythms, whereas bulimia-related purging behaviors contribute to electrolyte imbalances and potential cardiac complications, according to the experts. 

The mortality risk associated with eating disorders is alarming, with people hospitalized for these conditions being five to seven times more likely to die than the general population.

Per Mehler, it is important to recognize eating disorders as serious medical conditions, so those affected can receive comprehensive treatment. He also noted that early intervention and specialized care are needed to secure better outcomes.

According to Heart.org, the COVID-19 pandemic somehow worsened the prevalence of eating disorders, since many people were forced to follow social isolation and had restricted access to professional care during the public health crisis.

Mehler encouraged the medical community to address the challenges that hamper eating disorder patients from getting the treatment they need. 

Mehler and his colleagues are advocating for holistic treatment approaches that address both cardiovascular complications and underlying eating disorders.

While restoring a healthy weight can help mitigate structural heart changes caused by malnutrition, caution is needed to avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal complication, the experts noted. 

Ultimately, they said combating the devastating impact of eating disorders on heart health requires a collaborative effort to raise awareness, provide early intervention and offer comprehensive care to those affected.