Cholesterol concentrations in patients with Anorexia Nervosa and in healthy controls

Argentinean women have one of the highest international mortality rates for cardiovascular disease and they are particularly vulnerable to eating pathologies. Cardiovascular risk is exacerbated in women with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), since high cholesterol concentrations have been widely reported. OBJECTIVES: To compare blood cholesterol concentrations in AN patients with controls, and to correlate cholesterol with the body mass index (BMI), patient age, vomiting and tobacco. DESIGN AND METHOD: Cholesterol measurements documented at diagnosis from the clinical notes of patients were recorded from the Association Against Bulimia and Anorexia (ALUBA). Comparison was carried out with data of the general Argentinean public. RESULTS: Total cholesterol, LDL and HDL concentrations were higher in patients compared with controls. Total cholesterol in patients decreased during treatment and it was correlated with the patient age, but with no other variable. CONCLUSION: The abnormal lipid profile places patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. Older and untreated patients may be at particular higher risk of suffering from the consequences of elevated cholesterol concentrations.