Effects of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular risk factors: A narrative review

Abstract

Ramadan is considered as holy month of Muslims worldwide. During this month, most able-bodied Muslim adults refrain from foods, drinks, smoking, and medications from dawn until sunset. In Islamic rules, patients and those for whom fasting may have major health risks are exempted from fasting during Ramadan. There is still no consensus regarding the effects of Ramadan fasting, as a unique opportunity for lifestyle modifications, on cardiovascular risk factors in the Muslim population. The aim of this scientific literature review was to gather comprehensive results with regard to the effects of Ramadan fasting on major cardiovascular risk factors. This literature review focused on the effects of Ramadan fasting on four main factors, including body weight, blood glucose level, blood pressure, and plasma lipoproteins. According to the results, fasting during Ramadan is a good opportunity for patients and healthy subjects for control and prevent from diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and perhaps body fat mass as major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, however diabetic patients need to know about physical recommendations for fasting during. However, limitations of the conducted studies should be considered in specific populations while interpreting the results.