A patient with anorexia nervosa may have a number of cardiac abnormalities that can affect surgery.
Cardiac abnormalities in anorexia nervosa may include:
(1) conduction abnormalities (sinus bradycardia) and arrhythmias
(2) ventricular hypokinesis with or without heart failure
(3) abnormal sensitivity to adrenergic stimulation (with risk of tachyarrhythmias)
(4) pericardial effusion with or without tamponade
(5) orthostatic hypotension
(6) prolonged QTc
(7) mitral valve prolapse
Cardiopulmonary arrest can occur during major surgery.
A patient with anorexia nervosa should have a cardiac assessment with echocardiography prior to elective surgery.
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Specialty: Anesthesiology, Surgery, general, Psychiatry
