What is the hallmark symptom of Anorexia Nervosa related to heart activity?

The hallmark symptom of Anorexia Nervosa related to heart activity is bradycardia. This condition is characterized by a significant decrease in heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute. In individuals with Anorexia Nervosa, bradycardia can result from a combination of factors including malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and the body's attempt to conserve energy due to inadequate caloric intake.

Bradycardia is particularly notable because it reflects severe physiological stress and can lead to further complications in cardiac function. The body, in its state of starvation, may adapt by reducing its metabolic rate and thus lowering heart rate, which can ultimately pose serious risks for the individual. Identifying bradycardia as a symptom can be critical in the assessment and management of patients with Anorexia Nervosa.

Other heart-related symptoms, such as tachycardia, arrhythmia, and palpitations, may occur in different clinical scenarios but are not specifically hallmark features associated with Anorexia Nervosa. In contrast to bradycardia, tachycardia involves an increased heart rate, which is not typically present in patients with this eating disorder unless there are specific stressors or complications