Effects of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular risk factors: a prospective observational study

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that Ramadan fasting has beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, however there are controversies. In the present study, the effect of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular risk factors has been investigated.MethodThis is a prospective observational study that was carried out in a group of patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor (including history of documented previous history of either coronary artery disease (CAD), metabolic syndrome or cerebro-vascular disease in past 10 y). Eighty two volunteers including 38 male and 44 female, aged 29–70 y, mean 54.0 ± 10 y, with a previous history of either coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome or cerebro-vascular disease were recruited. Subjects attended the metabolic unit after at least 10 h fasting, before and after Ramadan who were been fasting for at least 10 days. A fasting blood sample was obtained, blood pressure was measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Lipids profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and insulin, homocysteine (hcy), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and complete blood count (CBC) were analyzed on all blood samples.ResultsA significant improvement in 10 years coronary heart disease risk (based on Framingham risk score) was found (13.0 ± 8 before Ramadan and 10.8 ±7 after Ramadan, P <0.001, t test).There was a significant higher HDL-c, WBC, RBC and platelet count (PLT), and lower plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, VLDL-c, systolic blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference after Ramadan (P <0.05, t test). The changes in FBS, insulin,Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), hcy, hs-CRP and diastolic blood pressure before and after Ramadan were not significant (P >0.05, t test).ConclusionsThis study shows a significant improvement in 10 years coronary heart disease risk score and other cardiovascular risk factors such as lipids profile, systolic blood pressure, weight, BMI and waist circumference in subjects with a previous history of cardiovascular disease.

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Total cholesterol (TC) Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in Healthy Adult Male

“…The HDL-C level was significantly increased in ARF comparison to that of BRF. This findings are similar with some other researchers 11,13 . In contrast, some investigators found significant increased levels of serum TC and LDL in healthy subjects at the end of Ramadan.…”

“…Similarly, some investigators observed that mean serum TC and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased whereas, HDL-C was significantly increased 11,13 . In contrast, some other researchers found significant increased levels of serum TC and LDL-C with significant decreased level of HDL-C in healthy subjects at the end of Ramadan.…”

“…It has been observed that body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) were significantly reduced after Ramadan fasting 5,8,11,12 . Similarly, some investigators observed that mean serum TC and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased whereas, HDL-C was significantly increased 11,13 .…”

Does Lipid Profile Affect Thrombin Generation During Ramadan Fasting in Patients With Cardiovascular Risks?

“…Our results are not in agreement with several studies. 2 In fact, during Ramadan, not only the eating pattern is altered but also the amount and type of food consumed. Foods that are rich in fat and protein, or that contain large quantities of carbohydrate, are selectively consumed in Ramadan.…”

“…2 However, little is known about the effect of Ramadan fasting on hemostatic profile particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks who are exposed to hypercoagulable states. The majority of these patients including those with stable coronary artery diseases are particularly vulnerable to the modification of the coagulation pattern.…”