Impact of Ramadan fasting on lipid profile and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Background: The effects of Ramadan fasting (RF) on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with stable ischemic heart disease are not well known.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of RF on lipid profile and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with a stable coronary heart disease.

Methods: A prospective observational study carried out in the Cardiology department of Charles Nicolle Hospital (Tunisia). Eighty-four patients with a stable ischemic heart disease who intended to fast were enrolled during May 2020. Detailed clinical and biochemical assessments were performed before and after the holy month. Parameters of glycemic control, lipid profile, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein concentration (us-CRP) and homocysteine were performed before- and after- Ramadan (BR and AR, respectively).

Results: Eighty-four patients including 79 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 57±7 years completed the study. Levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and apoprotein A were significantly improved AR fasting in comparison with their BR values. There was a significant decrease in blood fasting glucose, insulin level, Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index and in us-CRP level.

Conclusion: In patients with stable ischemic heart disease, RF may be accompanied by an improvement of lipid profile and glycemic parameters without increase in coronary events.