Cardiometabolic Transformations During Ramadan Fasting: A Systematic Review Of Lipid Profiles, Blood Pressure, And Glucose Dynamics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64252/eck9fa04Keywords:
Ramadan intermittent fasting, Cardiometabolic adaptations, Lipid profile, modulation, Hypertension management, Glycemic control, Systematic evidence synthesis, Metabolic switching, Health outcomes during fastingAbstract
Background: Ramadan fasting, a distinctive practice observed by Muslims globally, entails abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset for approximately one lunar month. While its spiritual significance is well-documented, its physiological impact on cardiometabolic health, specifically lipid metabolism, blood pressure, and glucose regulation, warrants deeper synthesis given the growing prevalence of metabolic disorders.
Objective: This systematic review aims to consolidate evidence on the effects of Ramadan fasting on three critical cardiometabolic markers: lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism. It will also explore influencing factors such as baseline health, dietary habits, and regional variations.
Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a thorough analysis of 68 peer-reviewed studies (2000–2023) sourced from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Eligible studies included adult cohorts (≥18 years) with pre- and post-Ramadan measurements and sample sizes ≥30. Heterogeneity was addressed via random-effects meta-analyses.
Results: Ramadan fasting significantly improves lipid profiles, with notable reductions in LDL cholesterol (−10.1 mg/dL) and triglycerides (−19.5 mg/dL), though HDL responses vary by diet. Blood pressure decreases modestly (systolic: −4.8 mmHg; diastolic: −3.2 mmHg), with greater benefits in hypertensive individuals. Glucose metabolism shows dual effects: healthy and prediabetic individuals exhibit better insulin sensitivity (−0.58 HOMA-IR) and lower fasting glucose. At the same time, diabetics experience short-term hyperglycemia (+6.9 mg/dL) but long-term HbA1c improvements (−0.38%). Regional dietary habits influence outcomes.
Conclusion: Ramadan fasting promotes favorable shifts in lipid and blood pressure parameters but necessitates tailored approaches for diabetic patients due to glycemic variability. Further investigations should prioritize long-term outcomes and dietary standardization to optimize clinical guidance.
