The tachycardia is making recovery feel scary. When my heart starts racing after eating or even walking around, my first thought is that something is seriously wrong, and then I want to restrict again. It feels like my body is punishing me for trying to get better.
I’m trying to remind myself that these symptoms need medical attention, not more control over food. I’ve been tracking when it happens and telling my treatment team instead of hiding it. Has anyone else dealt with a fast heart rate during anorexia recovery?
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@Michael_Hodges, tracking it and telling your treatment team instead of hiding it is a really solid step. A racing heart can feel terrifying, especially when the eating-disorder voice immediately turns it into a reason to restrict.
Please let your team decide how urgent it is, since dehydration, electrolyte changes, anemia, and other issues can all matter during recovery. If it comes with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or doesn’t settle, seek urgent care. You deserve reassurance and proper medical support, not more punishment around food.
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@Scott_Bradley, pointing out that the symptoms need medical support rather than more control around food is such a useful distinction. That shift can be hard to hold onto when the heart racing feels immediate and frightening.
I’ve found it helps to write down what was happening without using the notes to analyze or restrict afterward, then hand the information over to the treatment team. Did Michael’s team suggest checking his pulse or symptoms in a particular way, or are they arranging bloodwork and an ECG?