Medically reviewed by Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Shera.
Many of our family members are hypertensive and in the Holy month of Ramadan when hypertensive patients fast there can be lots of triggers that can increase their blood pressure when fasting. Hypertensive patients who fast tend to have significant changes in their eating habits and sleeping patterns which eventually lead to fluctuations in their blood pressure.
In this blog let’s study how to manage hypertension in Ramadan and how to maintain hypertension medication in Ramadan.
[Also read: Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Diabetic Patients]
Does Blood Pressure Increase When Fasting?
Doctors have warned that fasting can shoot up blood pressure in hypertensive patients so they should first consult with their GP (General Physician) whether it is safe for them to fast and how to manage hypertension at home.
Ramadan Tips to Manage Hypertension at Home
- Drink lots of water from Iftar till Sehri to prevent dehydration and other complications that may occur when fasting.
- Reduce salt consumption in both Sehri and Iftar.
- Avoid oily foods and don’t over eat.
- After Iftar, try to do some light physical activity like walking etc.
- Measure blood pressure before Sehri, during fast and after Iftar to monitor blood pressure throughout.
- Hypertensive patients who smoke should completely quit smoking as it raises blood pressure eventually leading to the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
- Take your medication regularly.
- Avoid cheese and processed meat.
- Try to lose weight in Ramadan as weight loss helps in normalizing blood pressure.
- If you experience dizziness or frequent headaches seek emergency help right away.
Foods to Normalize Blood Pressure
- Add fruits and vegetables as an essential part of your Ramadan meals. They help to control high blood pressure.
- Cut down on coffee and caffeinated soft drinks as they are stimulants.
- Avoid sodium rich foods such as pickles, nuts as they can increase blood pressure.
- Have grilled fish at least twice a week
- Including low-fat dairy products as calcium helps in regulating blood pressure and also improves bone health.
- Add Greek yogurt as it helps regulate blood pressure.
If you’re looking to stay fit this Ramadan, make sure to avoid oily foods for a Healthy Fasting during Ramadan 2022.
Hypertension Medication in Ramadan
Usually the medicines prescribed to hypertensive patients need to be taken twice a day. The morning dose can be taken at Sehri followed by the evening one at Iftar. Hypertensive patients who have been prescribed medicines thrice daily should consult their doctor to ask if their afternoon dose can be adjusted to avail the best of Ramadan by fasting.
Happy Ramadan to all the Hypertensive people!
Looking for the Ramadan Calendar and the date for 27 Ramadan 2022 in Pakistan? Visit Dawaai Blog for all the information!
