Ramadan Fasting and Complications of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Impacts on Liver Cirrhosis and Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and heart failure are two intersecting growing pandemics. Studies have demonstrated a strong association between MASLD and heart failure. Liver cirrhosis is a well-recognized complication of MASLD. This study aimed to summarize the potential effects of Ramadan fasting on MASLD, liver cirrhosis, and heart failure. The author searched the SCOPUS and PubMed databases using specific terms. The literature review focused on research articles published in English from 2000 to 2024. Twenty-two articles were selected for this narrative review. Ramadan fasting reduced serum cholesterol serum levels, improved symptoms of heart failure and reduced anthropometric measurements. However, it increased ascitic fluid production and plasma bilirubin levels and might increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy and upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in liver cirrhosis. Ramadan fasting might improve symptoms of heart failure and might decrease the risk of heart failure in patients with MASLD. Further research studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and evaluate the safety of Ramadan fasting in patients with heart failure and liver cirrhosis.