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Is Fasting Safe When Diagnosed With Hypertension?
Question: Hello,
My mother (47 y/o) was diagnosed with hypertension about 9 months ago. She was described medications of Losartan K and Indapamide, and they were enough to get her hypertension under control. Anyway, Ramadan is nearby, which is a month for us muslims to fast, so she is going to fast the whole month from 4 AM to 6 PM, about 14 hours a day. How should she take her medications ?, I am afraid that it may cause her hypotension and/or hypokalemia as there wouldn't be any fluids intake for 14 hours.
My mother (47 y/o) was diagnosed with hypertension about 9 months ago. She was described medications of Losartan K and Indapamide, and they were enough to get her hypertension under control. Anyway, Ramadan is nearby, which is a month for us muslims to fast, so she is going to fast the whole month from 4 AM to 6 PM, about 14 hours a day. How should she take her medications ?, I am afraid that it may cause her hypotension and/or hypokalemia as there wouldn't be any fluids intake for 14 hours.
Brief Answer:
The health is first
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question. Welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
Well, I know that when there are health issues in a person, it is allowed not to fast. If there has been a recommendation based a diagnosis of high blood pressure, to take medication to treat this disorder, then my recommendation would be that she should withhold fasting on this year's Ramadan.
It is true that medication can have affects on body's homeostasis, so even if we adjust the pills to be taken in the time of not fasting, we may not achieve the proper and effective treatment of hypertension. Also, we may put this organism on unintentional risk. I understand that fasting is a obligation due to the religion, but it also can do harm in the cases when the person is under medication.
I hope I have been of help. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
The health is first
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question. Welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
Well, I know that when there are health issues in a person, it is allowed not to fast. If there has been a recommendation based a diagnosis of high blood pressure, to take medication to treat this disorder, then my recommendation would be that she should withhold fasting on this year's Ramadan.
It is true that medication can have affects on body's homeostasis, so even if we adjust the pills to be taken in the time of not fasting, we may not achieve the proper and effective treatment of hypertension. Also, we may put this organism on unintentional risk. I understand that fasting is a obligation due to the religion, but it also can do harm in the cases when the person is under medication.
I hope I have been of help. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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