During the month of Ramadan, the body of the fasting person is exposed to dietary and behavioral changes that may lead to several physiological changes, such as changes in blood pressure, which makes people who suffer from high blood pressure ask many important questions, including: Does fasting raise pressure? Is it permissible for a pressure patient to break the fast in Ramadan? In addition to asking to know the nutritional tips that must be followed, to ensure fasting during the month of Ramadan in the best conditions.
Does a patient with high blood pressure fast?
Dr. Dirar Abdullah, an internal medicine consultant, explained in an interview with Sky News Arabia that a patient with high blood pressure is required to consult the attending physician to determine his condition, and to know the extent of his ability to fast the month of Ramadan, adding that fasting is safe for people who take their medications regularly, and who do not suffer from disorders. In blood pressure readings, that is, those whose blood pressure readings are under control, whether by following a diet or by taking medications.
The dates of taking the drug doses
Dirar Abdullah confirmed that:
- Allowing a patient with high blood pressure to fast during the month of Ramadan necessarily requires adjusting the treatment schedule to match the timing of fasting.
- He added that the doctor sets adjustments in the doses and timings of the medication to suit Suhoor and Iftar.
- Some patients depend on long-acting pressure medications, which are used once or twice as a maximum during the day, and therefore they can be taken in the evening and do not interfere with fasting.
- He also emphasized that a patient who takes several medications during separate times of the day is not allowed by the doctor to fast.
Important tips for safe fasting
Dr. Dirar Abdullah stressed the need for a patient with high blood pressure to follow accurate advice during the fasting month of Ramadan, in order to avoid any health risks, and the most prominent of these tips are:
- Drink plenty of fluids and natural juices during the iftar period to avoid feeling thirsty and dehydrated, and the complications that may result from it.
- Make vegetables and fruits an essential element of the Ramadan table because they are an important source of potassium, which contributes to controlling high blood pressure.
- Avoid foods and liquids that are high in fat.
- Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks.
- Avoid foods rich in sodium, such as salted nuts and pickles, because they cause high blood pressure.
- Eat grilled fish at least twice a week, as fish fat contains special “omega-3” fatty acids, which help regulate blood pressure, in addition to its protective effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease. Among the most prominent fish rich in fatty acids, we find salmon and sardines.
- Eat low-fat dairy products because calcium plays an important role in regulating blood pressure.
- Avoid cheese and processed meats such as sausage and mortadella, as they contain a high concentration of sodium.
