Abstract

FISZLEJDER, Leán  and  FISZLEJDER, Pablo M. Cardiovascular risk in anorexia nerviosa and other forms of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea related to undernutrition. Rev. argent. endocrinol. metab. [online]. 2012, vol.49, n.1, pp.28-36. ISSN 1851-3034.

The imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure observed in malnourished or frankly under-nourished women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea triggers an increased activity of hypothalamic hormones and peripheral neuropeptides, at facilitating the availability of endogenous energy metabolites. Osteoporosis, immune depression, hypothalamic amenorrhea and increased cardiovascular risk can be interpreted as secondary effects of the homeosthatic adaptation reactions by central and peripheral hormones. The extent of somatotropic axis deficiency, hypoestrogenism and time of evolution condition the nature of coronary circulation alterations and myocardial structural and functional involvement. An unfavorable lipid profile (normal LDL/ low HDL and hypertriglyceridemia), the rise in peripheral markers of fibrinolytic and inflammatory processes, results in a proatherosclerotic and prothrombotic environment. A premature presence of atheroma plaques in carotid walls, intima media thickness and subsequent artery stiffness may be frequently observed. This makes blood flow difficult, leading to coronary ischemia and predisposition to stroke. Echocardiographic studies show a decrease in the muscle mass of the left ventricle walls and the interventricular septum. These structural changes correlate with a volume reduction in the post-stress systolic ejection fraction, which subsequently occurs at rest at rest.The reduction in diastolic filling volume can be observed if the course of the disease is relatively long, showing, a serious compromise of cardiac performance. Even if the incidence of supraventricular extrasystoles, atrial fibrillation and bradycardia is not statistically significant, the presence of such arrhythmias increases CVR and the possibility of potential sudden death.

Keywords : Amenorrhea; Hypoestrogenism; Hyposomatotropism; Lipid index; Coronary; Cardiac dysfuntion; Arrhythmias.

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