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ARTICLE
Anorexia Nervosa-Induced Cardiac Tamponade: A Comprehensive Review and Case Study of a Life-Threatening Complication
Issue Vol. 1 No. 01 (2024): Volume 01 Issue 01 --- Section Articles
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Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a devastating psychiatric disorder that claims more lives than any other mental illness, largely through the silent toll it takes on the body. The cardiovascular system is especially vulnerable to the strain of chronic malnutrition. While a slow heart rate and low blood pressure are common signs of this struggle, a more dangerous, though rarer, complication is the buildup of fluid around the heart, which can lead to a medical emergency known as cardiac tamponade. This article offers a comprehensive look at the heart-related complications of AN, focusing on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of this life-threatening condition. We share the story of a young woman with severe AN whose life was saved by an emergency procedure to relieve the pressure on her heart. Her case provides a powerful anchor for a wider discussion on the challenges of diagnosis, the difficult decisions in management, and the absolute necessity of a dedicated, multidisciplinary team to guide a patient through both the immediate crisis and the long journey of recovery. This review is a call for heightened awareness among clinicians, highlighting the fragile connection between a troubled mind and a body in peril.
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References
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