Myocardial performance during maximal exercise in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
To examine cardiac responses and indicators of myocardial function during maximal exercise in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa.


METHODS
Eight girls (mean age 16.3+/-2.7 years) who satisfied criteria for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa underwent maximal cycle testing. Cardiac stroke volume and peak aortic velocity and mean acceleration of flow (markers of myocardial contractility) were assessed using Doppler echocardiography and compared to healthy control subjects. Gas exchange variables were measured using open circuit spirometry techniques.


RESULTS
Resting and maximal heart rates were less in the patients, and maximal oxygen uptake was significantly lower than controls. Maximal stroke index was greater in the patients than controls, with a normal pattern of response to progressive exercise. Peak aortic velocity and mean acceleration of flow were similar in the two groups when adjusted for heart rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings of low heart rate and aerobic fitness previously described in patients with anorexia nervosa were confirmed. However, there was no evidence of abnormal myocardial performance during maximal exercise testing.
Rowland
T
T
Department of Pediatrics, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA 01199, USA. thomas.rowland@bhs.org
Koenigs
L
L
Miller
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology