Case Reports in Cardiology (Jan 2022)

A Case of Profound Bradycardia in Endurance Athlete with Severe Anorexia Nervosa

  • John Pueringer,
  • Joseph Cinderella,
  • M. Greg Treuth

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6589758
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2022

Abstract

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We present a case of a 54-year-old woman with asymptomatic bradycardia who was referred for consideration of a pacemaker for profound chronic sinus bradycardia (heart rate is 33 beats per minute). Further, history and physical revealed a self-described endurance athlete with severe anorexia nervosa (AN). Background. Anorexia nervosa and endurance training are known contributors to bradycardia; however, profound asymptomatic sinus bradycardia in the 20-30 beats per minute is underdocumented in the literature and not a common presentation in any setting. The decision to implant a permanent pacemaker could potentially lead to further physical and psychological repercussions in such a frail patient.