Midwifery and WHNP Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free Midwifery and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Practice Questions and Study Guide

Arrhythmias are a potential cardiac risk associated with anorexia that can be highlighted through diagnostic testing. In patients with anorexia, significant electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia due to inadequate dietary intake and purging behaviors, can lead to alterations in the heart's electrical activity. This can result in various types of arrhythmias, which can be detected using an electrocardiogram (ECG).

The risk of arrhythmias in anorexic patients is particularly concerning due to the fact that these arrhythmias may not only lead to symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness but can also lead to life-threatening situations, including cardiac arrest. Regular monitoring of cardiac function and electrolytes is essential in these patients to help prevent such serious complications.

In contrast, while hypertension can occur due to volume overload or other mechanisms, it is less commonly associated with anorexia compared to arrhythmias. Increased stroke volume is generally not a relevant consideration in the context of anorexia, as the body often experiences reduced cardiac output due to weight loss and decreased body mass. Bradycardia can be a significant finding in anorexic patients, but it is not the only potential cardiac issue, which is why recognizing arrhythmias is critical.