❤️ The Fasting Paradox: Is Your Heart at Risk?

 

❤️ “The Fasting Paradox: Is Your Heart at Risk?”

By Dr. Anjali Menon, Global Cardiologist & Lifestyle Medicine Pioneer

For years, intermittent fasting (IF) has been hailed as a miracle for weight loss, metabolic health, and even longevity. From Silicon Valley biohackers to Kerala’s wellness circles, the 16:8 method—fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window—has become a household ritual.

But a new study has shaken the wellness world. Published in the Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome journal, researchers found that people who ate within an 8-hour window had a 135% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, compared to those who spread their meals over 12–14 hours.

🧠 What Did the Study Actually Say?

• Researchers analyzed data from 19,000 adults over 8 years

• Participants who followed time-restricted eating (TRE) had significantly higher cardiovascular mortality

• The risk persisted across race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic groups

• Even those with pre-existing heart conditions saw elevated risks

This isn’t the first warning. A 2024 study presented at the American Heart Association conference linked 16-hour fasting to a 91% higher risk of heart-related death.

🩺 Why Might Fasting Harm the Heart?

While IF may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation short-term, long-term restrictive eating could:

• Disrupt circadian rhythms tied to heart function

• Lead to nutrient deficiencies (especially in older adults)

• Increase stress hormones like cortisol

• Cause blood pressure fluctuations

• Reduce adherence and trigger binge eating during feeding windows

⚖️ My Clinical Perspective

As a cardiologist practicing in both Mumbai and London, I’ve seen patients thrive on structured eating—and others spiral into fatigue, palpitations, and anxiety. The truth is:

“Intermittent fasting is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For some, it’s therapeutic. For others, it’s a silent stressor.”

Especially in India, where many people already skip breakfast due to work or religious fasting, layering IF on top of existing habits can backfire.

✅ What You Should Do

• Consult your doctor before starting any fasting regimen

• Avoid extreme fasting if you have heart disease, diabetes, or are over 60

• Prioritize balanced nutrition over timing alone

• Listen to your body—fatigue, dizziness, or irritability are red flags

• Consider moderate TRE (10–12 hour eating window) instead of 8-hour extremes

🔍

• Intermittent fasting heart attack risk

• 16:8 fasting and cardiovascular health

• Time-restricted eating dangers

• Indian cardiologist fasting advice

• Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome fasting study

• Heart disease and eating patterns

• Safe fasting for Indian adults

• Fasting and blood pressure

• Long-term effects of intermittent fasting

• Fasting risks for heart patients

Fasting may be ancient. But your heart is modern—and it deserves a rhythm that nourishes, not punishes.