Ramzan fasting: Doctors urge high-risk patients to seek medical advise

Doctors in Hyderabad have advised individuals with chronic health conditions to exercise caution while fasting during Ramzan. Senior cardiologist Dr Syed Akram Ali stated that patients should undergo medical check-ups and be categorised into risk groups before deciding to fast.

Hyderabad: Fasting during the holy month of Ramzan is deeply revered and is widely observed. However should individuals ensure the rigours of fasting if it is detrimental to their health?

Physicians believe that while fasting is a spiritual priority, it is equally important for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney ailments and blood pressure, to be extremely cautious.

“Persons who plan to take up fasting during Ramzan but have chronic ailments and comorbid conditions must undergo a thorough medical check-up first. Based on the results, the decision whether patients can fast or not should be left to the discretion of the treating doctor,” says senior interventional cardiologist from Hyderabad, Dr Syed Akram Ali

The senior cardiologist points out that patients should be classified into very high, high and low risk categories. “Very high and high risk patients should avoid fasting. However, if the patient insists, then we can alter some medications for urination to avoid complications during fasting.

Individuals who are on medications for their chronic medical conditions, can change their drug regimen, based on the doctor’s advice.

“Medicines given thrice daily can be usually changed to formulations with Suhoor (predawn meal) and Iftar (fast-breaking meal after sunset) dosing. Blood pressure medications with urination should be changed or advised dosing with iftar. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance that is often encountered with urination medications given to heart failure patients needs to be adjusted especially during summer Ramzan, Dr Akram Ali, who is also Head, Intensive Coronary Care, Renovo Hospitals, said.

The physician has also urged patients to ask their personal doctor to change cardiac medications that have once-daily dosing, which is highly recommended. Patients with valve replacement can take warfarin safely during Ramzan, he added.

Risk classification:

Low Risk ( May Be Able To Fast)

Stable hypertension

Stable Post Angioplasty/ Post CABG

Stable, non-severe heart failure

Permanent pacemaker

Mild/mild-moderate valvular disease

Mild/moderate pulmonary hypertension

Very High and High Risk (Should Avoid Fasting)

Recent heart attack (less than 6 weeks)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction

Severe valvular disease

Severe heart failure

Advanced heart failure

Severe pulmonary hypertension