Aligarh. The holy month of Ramadan gives the message of worship, restraint and self-discipline. During this period, fasting people worship Allah while remaining hungry and thirsty the whole day. However, there are many people who suffer from the problem of blood pressure (BP) and they need to take special care about their health while fasting. Local 18 spoke to Dr. Irfan Ahmed Khan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh, on this topic. Dr. Irfan Ahmed Khan explains that Ramadan is not only a month of worship but also a time to balance the body. Adopting right eating habits and daily routine also helps in detoxifying the body.

Doctor’s advice before fasting

According to Dr. Irfan, patients who are already on blood pressure medication should consult their doctor before starting the fast, so that the correct schedule of medicines can be decided. With the advice of the doctor, it is decided at what time to take the medicine between Iftar and Sehri, so that BP remains under control and the fast can also be completed easily.

Dr. Irfan told that it is very important to make changes in lifestyle and eating habits during fasting. Oily, greasy and spicy foods should be avoided because such foods can increase blood pressure. Salt intake should be kept low, so that BP is better controlled. It is beneficial to include fruits and green vegetables in the diet. According to Dr. Irfan, people who have mild hypertension, that is, whose blood pressure has not increased too much, can control their BP to a great extent by taking regular precautions, even without additional medicines. For this, a brisk walk of at least 20 minutes daily, balanced diet and reducing the amount of salt are very effective solutions. Staying away from stress and maintaining a positive family and social environment also plays a role in blood pressure control.

What to do if the situation worsens

Dr. Irfan explains that if you feel a sudden increase in blood pressure, such as severe headache, nervousness, dizziness or restlessness, then you should immediately contact your doctor and follow his advice. In such a situation, it is not right to change the medicine on your own or ignore it. By adopting proper medical advice, balanced diet and regular routine, BP patients can also fast safely and complete the prayers of Ramadan.