The impact of Ramadan fasting on acute coronary disease events among Iraqi population

Background : Ramadan fasting is a common religious tradition practiced by several prominent faiths in the world. It is also currently regaining interest as a medical practice, both as preventive and as therapy and/or simple choice of lifestyle. Fasting brings about some changes in life style, diet, and sleeping patterns, which raises major concerns for cardiac patients. Thus, the role of Ramadan fasting in acute coronary events could be pivotal for cardiac patients. The association of fasting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains to be further clarified. Objectives: The major aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of AMI and its associated risk factors among Iraqi patients during Ramadan (DR) and non-Ramadan months. Materials and Methods : A total of 154 AMI patients admitted to the Surgical Specialty Hospital–Cardiac Center, Erbil city were enrolled a month before Ramadan and DR in 2019. The serum levels of lipid profile parameters were analysed using enzymatic immunoassay analyzer. The HbA1c was measured using a fully automated glycohemoglobin analyzer. Results : The incidence of AMI was statistically significantly lower among fasted patients (29%) as compared to non-fasting patients (71%) (P < 0.05). Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides statistically significantly decreased in fasted AMI patients (15.6% and 22.2%, P < 0.05) compared to nonfasting patients (31.2% and 58.7%), but not with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and total cholesterol. No statistically significant changes were found in hypertension and diabetes between fasted and nonfasted patients with AMI (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Ramadan fasting has a preventive effect, and it does not increase the risks of acute coronary events in Iraqi patients.