Bulimia Nervosa

To diagnose bulimia nervosa, your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination. They’ll ask you about your medical history and symptoms. It’s OK to be nervous when talking with your healthcare provider. But they want to help you get better. So it’s important to be honest with your healthcare provider about your eating habits.

Your healthcare provider will diagnose bulimia nervosa if you meet the following criteria:

Do you have repeated episodes of binge eating?
Do you feel a lack of control over your eating during an episode?
Do you engage in inappropriate purging behaviors?
Have you experienced binge eating at least once a week for three months?
Does your body weight or shape have a strong influence on your self-image?

There aren’t any laboratory tests to specifically diagnose bulimia. Your healthcare provider may order tests to see how bulimia has affected your health. These tests include:

Blood test.
Urinalysis.
Kidney function test.
Electrocardiogram (EKG).

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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