What are the different cases of heart patients? What are the most important tips for dealing with fasting during the month of Ramadan?
Cases in which fasting is permitted
Consultant cardiologist Ghassan Noah said in statements to Sky News Arabia that heart patients who have a stable health condition can fast the month of Ramadan without any health problems, especially if they adhere to a healthy diet and consult a doctor to determine the appropriate medication and dose schedule. He added that fasting has many benefits in this case and contributes to:
Low incidence of heart failure. Lowering blood pressure. Low harmful cholesterol, thus lowering the chance of atherosclerosis. Weight loss for heart patients. Low incidence of heart failure. High level of high-density lipoprotein, known as the good cholesterol. Reducing the chance of vascular sclerosis.
Tips required to ensure safe fasting
Dr. Ghassan Noah, a consultant cardiologist, stressed the need for heart patients to see a doctor before Ramadan and to follow the necessary advice, most notably:
Reduce the amount of food and eat it in stages. Avoid fatty foods rich in fats and salts. Drink water at least 8 glasses a day. Do not drink sugary liquids. Make sure to eat small amounts of food in four stages divided throughout the day. The necessity of exercising, such as walking. Refer to the doctor if you feel dizzy, have a fast heart rate, or are very tired.
Cases in which heart patients are prevented from fasting:
Patients with frequent chest pain. Patients with ischemic heart failure presenting with severe fatigue and shortness of breath. Heart attack patients who cannot usually fast during the six weeks following a heart attack. Cardiac surgery patients. Patients with severe stenosis or inflammation of the valves. Patients taking blood thinners. Patients with arrhythmias. Patients whose conditions require staying under observation in the hospital.
