Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Blood Pressure and Lipid Profiles

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Article type: Original Article Introduction: Ramadan is a holy Islamic month during which Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse for 13-17 hours a day. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Islamic fasting during Ramadan on lipid profile and blood pressure. Methods: This study was carried out in two phases, i.e., a week before and a week after Ramadan. Overall, 89 healthy subjects, aged 20-50 years, were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were drawn for the evaluation of lipid profile in the morning, and subjects' blood pressure was measured in the afternoon, using a digital sphygmomanometer. Statistical analysis was performed, using SPSS version 16.0. Results: A week after Ramadan, body weight and body mass index decreased in both genders, compared to a week before Ramadan (P<0.001). Diastolic blood pressure in male subjects and systolic blood pressure in both genders remained unchanged (P=0.634 and P=0.412, respectively), whereas in females, diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased (P=0.002). During Ramadan, no significant changes were observed in subjects' lipid profile, triglyceride level, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or LDL/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio; however, a substantial decline was reported in total cholesterol and HDL-C levels. Conclusion: The decline in total cholesterol may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, induced by decreased HDL-C concentration. However, further research is required to reach a more definitive conclusion.