Effects of Ramadan fasting on some physiological and biochemical parameters in healthy and hypertensive subjects in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT

Throughout the world, millions of Muslims fast daily during the month of Ramadan from sunrise [Sahar] until sunset [Iftar]. Considering the impacts of environment on physiological functions, we performed this study in order to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on some blood parameters of healthy volunteers and hypertensive patients. According to the results, there were no significant changes in the weight, heart rate [HR], blood pressure [BP], serum total cholesterol and packed cell volume [PCV] of volunteers before and after fasting [P<0.05]. However, considering hypertensive patients, blood urea significantly increased, while blood pressure [both systolic and diastolic pressures] significantly decreased during the fasting period [P>0.05]. Therefore, it can be concluded that hypertensive patients, while continuing their previous medications, can safely fast during the month of Ramadan