Key Opinion Leader Series | Ramadan for Heart Patients: Best Practices for a Healthy Fast

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting for many Muslims around the world, which involves not eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset. While fasting is a personal choice, it is important to consider your health and well-being, especially if you have a heart condition. Many people with heart and circulatory conditions take regular medication to protect their hearts and maintain their health. If you have a heart condition and are considering fasting during Ramadan, it is important to take precautions to ensure you stay healthy.

Here are some tips to help you have a healthy Ramadan when you have a heart condition:

1. Speak to your GP or Specialist: If your medical condition could worsen because of fasting during Ramadan, Islam allows you to make up those days later or compensate with charity for the missed out fasting days. Please check the ruling for Fidya (1) for fasts missed out of necessity. It is important to consult with your GP or Specialist to discuss whether fasting is safe for you. 
2. Adjust your medication routine: Fasting during Ramadan can interfere with your medication routine. If you take your medication once a day in the morning, you can take the medication during Suhoor (2) (early morning before sunrise). On the other hand, some medications may need to be taken on an empty stomach, which you can consider taking during Iftar (3). It is important to consult your pharmacist for guidance on adjusting your medication routine.
3. Quit smoking: Smoking or taking other forms of tobacco can worsen your heart condition. In fact, this is a perfect opportunity for you to consider quitting, as you are abstaining from smoking or use of any tobacco for a prolonged period during fasting. By the way, smoking is haram or forbidden in Islam, whether it’s in Ramadan or outside of Ramadan, primarily due to two reasons: it is harmful to health and it causes addiction. Consider quitting smoking to improve your heart health besides having other health benefits (4). 
4. Stay active: Being active during Ramadan is important for your physical and mental health. However, you may need to adapt your exercise routine, especially if you are dehydrated or have low blood sugar levels. Try to find the time of day that works best for you to exercise, and consider low-impact exercises such as walking, stretching and yoga.
5. Eat healthily: It is important to continue to eat healthily during Ramadan to maintain your health and well-being. When breaking your fast, base your meals on filling, slowly digested carbohydrates, such as wholegrain starchy carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. Include some lean or low-fat protein sources and try to bake or grill your food instead of frying it. Avoid overeating, eat slowly and pay attention to your feelings of fullness, and try to limit or avoid fatty and sugary foods.
6. Stay hydrated: It is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water or sugar-free drinks, to stay hydrated while breaking fast during Ramadan. Avoid salty foods as they can make you thirstier and are not good for your blood pressure. Drinking enough fluids and including fruit and vegetables and high-fibre foods in your diet will also help to keep your digestion healthy.
7. Be spiritual: Being spiritual is linked with reduced stress. Stress can worsen your existing heart condition. Therefore, utilise the opportunity of being more spiritual during this month, such as engaged in prayers, reading Quran (the holy book), listening to Islamic scholars etc.

In summary, if you have a heart condition, it is important to take extra care when fasting during Ramadan. Consult with your GP or Specialist to discuss whether fasting is safe for you. Adjust your medication routine, stay active, eat healthily, stay hydrated, quit smoking and be spiritual to improve your heart health. Remember, if you experience any symptoms such as fluid building up in the ankles, breathlessness and fatigue, passing more urine than normal, dizziness or fainting spells, rapid heartbeat or pounding in the chest, or chest pain or pressure, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.

 

References

1. https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/giving/islamic-giving/ramadan/fidya/
2. https://islamqa.info/en/articles/46/eat-suhoor-for-in-suhoor-there-is-blessing
3. https://www.spiritofislam.co.in/spiritnew/index.php/the-significance-of-iftar
4. https://www.quit.org.au/articles/the-health-benefits-of-quitting-smoking/

 

Professor Dr. Muhammad Aziz Rahman

MBBS, MPH, CertGTC, GCHECTL, PhD

Adviser, Her Heart

Research Adviser and Discipline Leader of Public Health, Federation University Australia