Effect of ramadan fasting on body weight, blood pressure and biochemical parameters in middle aged hypertensive subjects: An observational trial

Abstract

Introduction: Ramadan fasting is a religious obligation which is practised by Muslim population all over the world. However, there is scarcity of scientific literature regarding its effects on health determinants in cardiovascular disturbances like hypertension. Objective: The present study was done to assess the blood pressure, body weight and serum cholesterol changes over the period of Ramadan fasting in patients with hypertension. Methods: This prospective observational trial was done on 15 hypertensive subjects who were in the age group of 35 to 65 years, who were determined to complete Ramadan fast. All subjects were on antihypertensive therapy. Outcome measures of Blood Pressure (BP), body weight and serum cholesterol were assessed in all the subjects before and after Ramadan month. Results: Mean age of subjects was 44.6 ± 5.62 years. Systolic BP decreased from 148 ± 19.6 to 132.5 ± 17.9 mm of Hg. The decrease of 15.5 units (95% CI: 7.5 to 24.4) was statistically significant (p = 0.0009). Diastolic BP decreased from 90.4 ± 7.8 to 81.1 ± 6.3 mm of Hg. The decrease of 9.3 units (95% CI: 5.7 to 13) was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). There was statistically significant decrease in body weight from 66.6 ± 13 to 65.2 ± 12.7 kg (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in serum cholesterol from 187.3 ± 28.9 to 192.7 ± 31.3 mg% (p = 0.37). Conclusion: Hypertensive patients with continuation of their medicines showed a decrease in blood pressure & reduction in body weight at the end of Ramadan fasting duration. However there was no change found in serum cholesterol levels.