How should heart patients eat during Ramadan?
"HYPERTENSION PATIENTS All hypertensive patients who want to fast should be individually evaluated by physicians and potential risks should be discussed. Fasting should be avoided in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. During fasting, strict attention should be paid to the use of medications. If possible, medications taken three times a day can be changed to twice a day (before starting fasting and after evening iftar). Preferably, a single-pill strategy (once-daily medication) can be preferred along with long-acting medications. Especially in hot climates, the use of diuretics (water pills) during fasting should be avoided as much as possible, and alternative treatments should be considered."
It should be attempted to avoid salt and salty foods that can raise your blood pressure and may also make you thirsty. Especially during iftar, it is important to avoid foods rich in saturated fats as much as possible. Consuming plenty of fluids between iftar and suhoor is crucial for maintaining blood pressure balance.
For patients with artery blockages, those who have had a heart attack, or those who have undergone stent placement:
It is not recommended for patients who have had a heart attack to fast for the three months following the attack. Similarly, for individuals who have had stents placed after a heart attack, fasting for three months is also not advised. This is because prolonged dehydration during this period has been shown to increase the risk of clotting. However, for stable patients without active chest pain complaints, fasting is permissible as long as medications are taken regularly.
It is recommended to adjust medications taken twice a day, if possible, to once daily. For heart and vascular patients, it is advised to continue the principle of consuming more fruits, vegetables, legumes, raw nuts, whole grains, and high-fiber foods while reducing calorie intake, salt, refined sugar, and saturated fats during the Ramadan month. Additionally, it is recommended to choose unsaturated fats (avocado, olive, olive oil) instead of saturated fats (full-fat dairy products, chicken skin, visible fats in meat, coconut, coconut milk, margarines, butter), and to eliminate trans fatty acids (commercially fried foods, biscuits, cakes, crackers, and packaged chips). Avoiding snacks, packaged foods, and sweets after meals is also advised.
Particularly for diuretic medications, it is crucial to assess and adjust them on a personal basis, including the possibility of reducing the dosage if necessary. In patients with heart failure, it is very important to avoid excessively salty foods that can exacerbate symptoms and worsen heart failure.
How should meals be during Ramadan?
After individual evaluation by a doctor, patients deemed suitable can fast under the supervision and guidance of their doctor.
During Ramadan, suddenly loading up on food and eating large amounts quickly can facilitate blood clotting due to the effect of certain hormones released into the bloodstream, causing blood to accumulate in the digestive organs or reducing blood flow to vital organs. This situation increases the risk of sudden hypertension attacks, hyperglycemia attacks, heart spasms, strokes, sudden arrhythmias, and heart attacks. Therefore, it is crucial for the heart and vascular health that what we eat during iftar and suhoor is consumed slowly, thoroughly chewed, and carefully considered in terms of content and quantity.
"How should the suhoor meal be?"
In order to maintain sufficient and balanced nutrition during Ramadan, it is important not to skip the suhoor meal. Fibrous and satiating foods should be preferred. This helps reduce the feeling of hunger throughout the day and keeps blood sugar levels stable. Foods high in salt and sugar should be avoided, such as jam, olives, etc.
The amount of food varies according to the individual's height, weight, blood values, and existing health conditions. An example suhoor menu could include boiled eggs, cottage cheese, seasonal greens, walnuts, and 1-2 slices of whole grain bread (for example: 100% whole wheat bread).
"How should the iftar meal be?
The iftar meal should be predominantly vegetable and salad-based, following the Mediterranean cuisine. Fish is preferred over other meats.
The preferred eating style should be planned accordingly. After breaking the fast with water, it is recommended to start with light soups such as lentil or vegetable soup 5-10 minutes later and take a 10-15 minute break.
After that, move on to the main course, preferring grilled, boiled, and baked dishes. Low-fat meat dishes, vegetable dishes, legumes, olive oil-based foods, salads, and yogurt without cream are ideal for iftar. Avoid roasted, smoked, and fried foods. Especially avoid saturated fats such as butter, margarine, animal fats, pastries, pastries, cakes, and pies, as well as acidic drinks.
Sweet syrups are not recommended; they should be limited to 1-2 times a week, and half portions of milky desserts can be preferred. Fresh fruits are a better option in terms of nutritional content instead of desserts.
Should snacks be consumed?
It is recommended to have a snack preferably consisting of fruit along with 10-12 almonds/hazelnuts or 2 walnuts or 1 serving of fruit/dried fruit accompanied by 1 glass of kefir.
Fluid intake should be distributed throughout the day to prevent dehydration and support the digestive system. It is recommended to consume fluids in small amounts and frequent intervals between iftar and suhoor. Opting for mineral water is suggested, and choosing products with low sodium and high magnesium values is a recommended approach.
The importance of exercise
In Ramadan, immediately resting or sleeping after iftar is not a correct approach due to its potential to increase calorie accumulation and raise metabolic parameters. It is recommended to engage in light physical activity such as a leisurely walk 1-2 hours after iftar to help regulate metabolism and blood circulation.
Cardiologist Dr.Cafer PANÇ