THE EFFECT OF FASTING IN HEALTH AND DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW - 2000 TO 2017
Hassan Jahandideh and Kamran Tavakol*
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The Muslim population worldwide has a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and the incidence may rise in this population during Ramadan. This review assessed the available published literature that examined the effect of fasting on the activities of daily living and related behaviors in persons with cardiovascular disease. Method: We selected and reviewed 15 out of 65 published articles concerning the impact of Ramadan on lifestyle behaviours and its effects on cardiac rehabilitation between 2000 and 2017 were reviewed. Studies were identified in such sources as Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Medline and CINAHL Plus. The search terms were: behavior change, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiovascular disease, diet, exercise, fasting, medication, physical activity, sleep, smoking, and treatment. Results: The available evidence overall suggests that fasting can have a beneficial effect on such factors as blood cholesterol levels, body weight and blood pressure; however, benefits are rarely sustained in the long-term. Other behavioral changes such as non-adherence to medication, diet and exercise regimens have more negative consequences in people with cardiac disease. Conclusions: Changes in lifestyle behaviours secondary to fasting, especially during Ramadan may have positive and negative impacts on people with cardiovascular disease. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to find innovative ways to engage fasting people in healthy lifestyle choices, especially during the month of Ramadan.
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