Islamic fasting: cardiovascular disease perspective. (3rd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Naz, Hifza; Haider, Rakhshan; Rashid, Haroon; Ul Haq, Zargham; Malik, Jahanzeb; Zaidi, Syed Muhammad Jawad; Ishaq, Uzma; Trevisan, Roberto
• Is Part Of: Expert review of cardiovascular therapy. Volume 20:Number 10(2022)
• Page Start: 795
• Page End: 805
• Publication Date: 2022-10-03
• Subjects: intermittent fasting -- ischemic heart disease -- heart failure -- ramadan fasting; Cardiovascular agents -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.12061
• DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2022.2138344
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-9072

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Ramadan is a month of obligatory fasting observed by the majority of 2 billion Muslims living around the globe. The guidelines for 'risk-free' fasting exist for chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, but recommendations for cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients are deficient due to the paucity of literature. Areas Covered: Databases were screened to find relevant studies for an evidence-based consensus regarding the risk stratification and management of CVD. Using practical guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), we categorized patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk categories and proposed a pre-Ramadan checklist for the assessment of cardiac patients before fasting. Regular moderate-intensity exercise is recommended for most cardiac patients, which has been demonstrated to provide an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect that improves immune function. Expert opinion: In Ramadan, many physiological changes occur during fasting, which brings about a balanced metabolic homeostasis of the body. In addition, Ramadan fasting is a nonpharmacologic means of decreasing CV risk factors. As Islam exempts Muslims from fasting if they are unwell; therefore, patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS), advanced heart failure (HF), recent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or cardiac surgery should avoid fasting.