Low blood levels of ______ can lead to disturbances in heart rhythm,a leading cause of death among people with eating disorders.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Low blood levels of potassium can lead to disturbances in heart rhythm, specifically an irregular heartbeat or even sudden death. This is a common complication of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, as individuals with these disorders may consume an inadequate amount of dietary potassium or experience potassium losses through purging behaviors. Chloride and sodium imbalances can also contribute to electrolyte disturbances, but low potassium levels are the most strongly associated with cardiac complications. Glucose levels are important for energy production but not as directly linked to heart rhythm disturbances.

Low Blood Levels of ______ Can Lead to Disturbances in Heart