Health
The Hidden Toxin: Re-examining the Tragic Death of Karen Carpenter
Karen Carpenter’s death in 1983 was officially attributed to emetine cardiotoxicity, a fatal weakening of the heart muscle caused by the chronic abuse of ipecac syrup. While anorexia nervosa was the underlying condition, the specific cause of her cardiac arrest was the accumulation of toxic alkaloids found in over-the-counter emetics.