Tips for Smooth Fasting for Hypotension Sufferers

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, occurs when blood pressure is abnormally low. A person is considered to have low blood pressure if their reading is less than 90/60 mmHg.

Now, during the month of Ramadan, fasting should not be an obstacle for those with hypotension who wish to fast. There are several tips that can help individuals with hypotension to fast smoothly.

Why Fasting Can Cause Blood Pressure to Drop

Any condition that reduces blood volume can affect normal blood pressure, including dehydration or lack of fluids. Dehydration is one of the causes of low blood pressure that can occur in healthy individuals as well as those with hypotension.

During fasting, minerals in the body like sodium and potassium are lost more quickly. This condition is a factor that causes blood volume to decrease, leading to low blood pressure during fasting.

Based on blood pressure measurements, normal systolic blood pressure (upper number) ranges from 90-120 mmHg. Normal diastolic blood pressure (lower number) is 60-80 mmHg. If blood pressure readings are lower than normal, it can indicate hypotension, including during fasting.

Recognize the Symptoms of Hypotension

People with low blood pressure typically show signs such as:

• Dizziness or feeling very lightheaded
• Fainting
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration

Tips for Fasting for Hypotension Sufferers

Here are some tips for those with hypotension who want to fast so they can do so smoothly:

1. Check Your Health Before Fasting

Before fasting, undergo a medical check-up or health examination, which can include measuring blood pressure. Ensure you are deemed safe to fast if you have low blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you are taking any medications and ask if you should continue or stop them during fasting.

2. Pay Attention to Food Intake

While fasting, it's important to monitor food intake both during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking the fast). For suhoor, consume foods that are absorbed more slowly by the body. Examples include rice, bread, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Legumes can help increase blood pressure. Include red beans, green beans, peas, or chickpeas in your suhoor menu. Additionally, legumes, along with vegetables and fruits, should also be part of the iftar menu for those with hypotension.

While people with high blood pressure are advised to limit salt intake, those with low blood pressure should consume foods rich in salt to help normalize blood pressure.

3. Stay Hydrated

Any condition that reduces blood volume can affect normal blood pressure, including dehydration. Dehydration is one of the causes of low blood pressure that can occur in healthy individuals as well as those with hypotension.

During fasting, minerals like sodium and potassium are lost more quickly. This condition is a factor that causes blood volume to decrease, leading to low blood pressure during fasting.

To counteract low blood pressure due to dehydration while fasting, make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Adequate hydration helps increase blood volume in the arteries and prevents low blood pressure during fasting.

4. Engage in Light Exercise

Regular exercise is an effective way to manage low blood pressure. Research shows that physical activity can reduce stress hormone levels in the blood, resulting in improved blood flow.

You don't need to do heavy exercise to quickly raise blood pressure. Choose light exercises during fasting, such as a leisurely walk or jogging in the morning or evening. The key is to exercise regularly, about 3 to 4 times a week for 15-20 minutes, to keep blood pressure stable.

5. Get Enough Rest

Poor sleep habits tend to result in low blood pressure. Examples include lack of sleep, frequent nightmares, snoring, or waking up often at night. Therefore, make sure you get enough rest to prevent low blood pressure during fasting. To maximize sleep duration, go to bed earlier each day, so you wake up refreshed for suhoor.

These are the tips for fasting for those with hypotension or low blood pressure. Having a history of hypotension should not hinder your fasting for the whole month if your blood pressure remains stable.

However, the most important thing for hypotension sufferers before and during fasting is to monitor their health condition first. The goal is to ensure your health condition is truly safe for fasting.

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