Many people with stable heart disease may be able to fast, but safety depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, kidney function, blood pressure, diabetes, medicine schedule, weather and length of the fast. The plan should be made before fasting begins.
Who Needs Individual Assessment
- People with recent heart attack, stroke, stent, bypass surgery or hospital admission.
- People with unstable angina, poorly controlled rhythm problems or symptomatic heart failure.
- People using diuretics, multiple blood-pressure medicines, insulin or medicines that require precise timing.
- People with kidney disease, fluid restriction, recurrent low blood pressure or fainting.
Medicines and Monitoring
- Do not skip, combine or change medicine doses without a specific plan.
- Ask whether once- or twice-daily medicines can safely be moved to non-fasting hours.
- Monitor symptoms and, when appropriate, blood pressure, pulse, glucose and weight.
- Break the fast and seek medical help if significant chest pressure, breathlessness, fainting, severe dizziness or sustained palpitations occur.
Food, Fluid and Activity
- Use the non-fasting hours to maintain the fluid plan agreed with the clinical team.
- Limit salty foods, very large meals and excessive sugary or fried foods.
- Prefer gradual activity and avoid unusual strenuous exercise in heat or dehydration.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Do not wait for an online reply
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe breathlessness
- Fainting, confusion or new neurological symptoms
- Sustained rapid heartbeat with weakness
- Signs of severe dehydration or very low blood pressure
Medical information note
This guide provides general information and does not replace examination, diagnosis or an individual treatment plan.