Karwa Chauth Fasting For Heart Patients: Safety Tips, Risks, and Expert Advice

Karwa

Chauth is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year, especially for married women. Fasting for the entire day for the well-being and long life of their husbands, women do not eat or drink anything during that period. However, many women, suffering from underlying health issues, are always scared and confused about how to go about balancing their faith and health.

Is it safe for heart patients to fast on Karwa Chauth?

Well, experts believe the answer is not that simple. For some women, fasting when planned correctly can be fine, but for others, depending on their cardiovascular condition, it may not. Not eating or drinking anything for more than 12 hours is not just tough but can take a toll on your heart. While it can make you feel hungry and tired, if you are battling a heart issue, doctors say the effects can also be deadly. With a heart problem, like high or low blood pressure levels, your body mostly relies on timely food and medicines, and fasting for a long time can disturb this balance. Fasting can lower blood sugar, which generally triggers dizziness or fainting. Also, not drinking enough water can lead to severe dehydration, making the heart work harder. Skipping meals also disturbs the timing of medicines. According to doctors, full-day fasting without food and water can give rise to high blood pressure when your body goes into stress mode. Also, blood sugar fluctuations can trigger chest pain or palpitations. Dehydration also thickens blood, increasing the risk of a clot.

Things you must not do as a heart patient

If you are suffering from a heart ailment, doctors advise not to do the following:

• Never skip your medications without guidance.
• Once you break the fast, do not consume oily and fried foods, as they can give rise to indigestion and high blood pressure.
• Do not have too much tea or coffee in sargi, as it can dehydrate you.
• If you notice signs like chest pain, palpitations, or dizziness, do not ignore these and immediately contact your doctor.

Things you must take care of if you plan to fast

If, despite having heart troubles, you plan to fast for Karwa Chauth, note the following:

• Make sure to include fruits, whole grains, millets, and milk in your sargi to hydrate you and give you energy throughout the day.
• Drink at least two to three glasses of water before the sun rises.
• Make sure to take your medicines on time, even when fasting.
• To break your fast, first drink a glass of water and then eat some light food like soup or fruit.
• Keep a blood pressure and sugar monitor ready to use.
• Avoid salty food before and after fasting.
• Stay away from stress or arguments.
• Regularly monitor your blood pressure before and after your fasting.