Intermittent fasting and meal skipping have become popular trends for weight loss, detoxification, and improving digestion. But experts warn that if fasting is done incorrectly or for prolonged hours, it may silently harm your heart. Doctors advise that fasting must always be done in a balanced and medically supervised manner—especially for individuals with existing health issues.
Fasting Is Trendy — But Not Always Healthy
Social media is filled with extreme fasting routines like water fasts and dry fasts. Many people stay hungry for unusually long hours in the hope of quick weight loss. However, cardiologists caution that improper fasting can trigger dangerous health effects, especially on the cardiovascular system.
Dr. Binay Kumar, Senior Consultant & HOD of Interventional Cardiology and Electrophysiology at Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Faridabad, explains:
“Long gaps without food can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar and disturb electrolyte balance. This may lead to dizziness, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and even cardiac stress.”
Major Heart Risks Associated with Skipping Meals
1. Sudden Drop in Blood Sugar
When the body is deprived of food for too long, blood sugar levels fall.
This causes:
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Lack of energy supply to the heart
In heart patients, a sudden fall in glucose can be dangerous, as the heart does not receive enough fuel to beat properly. Maintaining stable sugar levels before and after fasting is essential.
2. Weakening of Heart Muscles
During prolonged fasting, the body begins to break down not just fat but also muscle protein for energy.
Severe or frequent fasting can weaken overall muscles, including the heart muscles, increasing the risk of cardiac complications. Adequate intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals is crucial.
3. Electrolyte Imbalance
Electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, and sodium regulate the heartbeat.
Long periods without food can lead to electrolyte deficiency, causing:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Palpitations
- Risk of dangerous heart rhythm disorders
If ignored, this imbalance can escalate into life-threatening arrhythmias.
4. Sudden Heart Load After Breaking Fast
After staying hungry for too long, people often overeat.
This sudden overeating can:
- Spike blood sugar rapidly
- Put sudden pressure on the heart
- Trigger palpitations and indigestion
Experts recommend breaking the fast with light and nutritious meals, not heavy binge eating.
5. Weak Immune System
Insufficient energy intake weakens immunity, increases inflammation, and indirectly raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Kumar emphasizes:
“Fasting may be beneficial, but understanding your body’s limits is even more important.”
Who Should Avoid Fasting or Meal Skipping?
According to cardiologists, the following people should avoid fasting unless medically advised:
- Heart patients
- Diabetic patients
- Individuals with fluctuating blood pressure
- Pregnant women
- Elderly individuals
- People with anemia
- Those who experience frequent dizziness
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