As the month of Ramadan approaches, it is very important for heart patients who are considering fasting to consult their doctors in order not to risk their health. Dr. Fatih Çam, Cardiology Specialist at Denizli Private Egekent Hospital, emphasized that individuals with heart and vascular diseases should not skip suhoor.
Effects of Fasting on Heart Health
For healthy individuals, fasting generally does not pose a risk in terms of cardiovascular health. However, for heart patients, individuals with hypertension, and those who regularly use medication, the situation is different. Prolonged hunger, insufficient fluid intake, and irregular medication use can cause serious health problems in heart patients. Therefore, before deciding to fast, it is essential to consult a cardiology specialist.
The Importance of Suhoor and Medication Use
One of the biggest mistakes made during Ramadan is skipping suhoor. When suhoor is skipped, the body remains hungry and dehydrated for a long time, which may lead to blood pressure imbalances, palpitations, and sudden complications, especially in heart patients. For patients who have undergone heart valve surgery and carry mechanical valves, the regular use of blood thinners is extremely important. The dosage of such medications should be determined and closely monitored by a doctor during Ramadan.
Recommendations for Heart Patients During Ramadan
- Always have suhoor and consume light, balanced meals.
- Drink plenty of water from iftar until suhoor to prevent dehydration during the day.
- Avoid fatty and heavy foods, and focus on fiber-rich meals.
- Instead of overeating at once during iftar, eat slowly and in small portions.
- Engage in physical activities moderately and in a controlled manner.
- Patients on medication should adjust their dosage times under medical supervision.
It is crucial for heart patients to follow these recommendations to spend Ramadan in good health. It should be remembered that health always comes first, and the decision to fast must be made under a doctor’s supervision. As Denizli Private Egekent Hospital, we wish all our patients a healthy and peaceful Ramadan.