Does Ramadan fasting complicate anticoagulation therapy

ABSTRACT

Between 1981 and 1985, a total of 289 patients were seen at our anticoagulation clinic. Two hundred and forty-seven received long-term oral anticoagulation therapy because of a cardiac condition, 42 for deep vein thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism. While on treatment, 106 patients fasted 309 Ramadan months and 183 patients elected not to fast during 594 Ramadan months. The incidence of thromboembolic events and hemorrhagic complications in the two groups was compared and no statically significant differences were found. We conclude that Ramadan fasting, or any other form of short-term fasting, has no adverse effects on the efficacy and safety of long-term oral anticoagulation