The Effect of Hunger and Satiety on Heart Rate Variability Parameters During Ramadan

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The month of Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims who are ordered to fast. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive method used to assess the effects autonomic nervous system. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fasting, fasting and postprandial time periods, in fasting and non-fasting patient groups in patients with rhythm holter for various reasons in our clinic during Ramadan 2019. Methods: This study was carried out by retrospectively evaluating the heart rate variations at fasting and postprandial time periods of patients who applied to our clinic in Ramadan in 2019 and requested rhythm holter for various reasons. A total of 86 patients betweeen 18 and 86 years (mean age 59.0 ± 6.0) with 53 non-fasting group (mean age 61.68± 16.57) and 33 fasting group (mean age 55.58± 15.61) were included in this study. SPSS version 19 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA) statistical package program was used for statistical analysis. Results: When the groups were compared according to ECG Holter data, LF/HF after dinner was found higher in the fasting group (2,41 vs 3,26, p=0,031). LF/HF average was found higher in the fasting group (1,02 vs 1,53, p=0,006). There were no differences between the groups in terms of other ECG Holter parameters. Conclusion: In Ramadan, the activity of the parasympathetic system increases during the period of hunger, and in the periods of satiety, the sympathetic system is activated and this is supported by parameters of heart rate variability. More careful and metered food consumption is especially important in terms of encountering cardiac events in iftar.