Impact of Fasting on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Hypertension

S. Hammoud, M. Kurdi*, B.J.F. van den Bemt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Fasting has been frequently practiced for religious or medical purposes worldwide. However, limited literature assesses the impact of different fasting patterns on the physiologic and cardiac-related parameters in patients with hypertension. This review aims to examine the effect of fasting on cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library were systematically screened until March 2021 for observational prospective cohorts investigating the effect of fasting on cardiovascular outcomes. Articles were assessed by searching for hypertension and fasting, both as Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and text words. The review included studies assessing Ramadan, intermittent, and water-only fasting. Water-only fasting reduces body weight, blood pressure, and lipolytic activity of fasting hypertensive patients without affecting average heart rate. Ramadan fasting enhances lipid profile, although it shows conflicting results for body weight, blood pressure, and heart rate variability. Considering the limited studies in this field, further research should be conducted to support the clinical impact of fasting on the cardiovascular health of patients with hypertension.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)481-495
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Volume78
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2021

Keywords

  • hypertension
  • fasting
  • high blood pressure
  • cardiovascular health
  • AMBULATORY BLOOD-PRESSURE
  • HEART-RATE-VARIABILITY
  • OXIDATIVE STRESS
  • BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS
  • LIPID PROFILE
  • RAMADAN
  • DISEASE
  • GUIDELINES
  • VISITS

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