RIYADH: A senior cardiologist in the capital has said that heart patients need to consult with their doctors before they begin to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Dr. Khalid Al-Nemr, a consultant in cardiology, arteries catheterization, tomography and nuclear imaging, was speaking to callers through the ‘Hello Ramadan’ program organized by the Ministry of Health during the holy month.
The program, which is being run under the slogan ‘Your Health in Ramadan,’ began during the first week of the holy month and seeks to helps Muslims in the Kingdom clear their doubts regarding any medical problems they face during this month.
The service is available on toll free number 8002494444 and the MoH’s Twitter account: @saudimoh. The service is conducted in Arabic and is open for the public during office hours on week days.
Regarding the main recommendations and guidelines that must be followed by heart patients during Ramadan, Al-Nemr said: “Such patients can fast only after obtaining the approval of their treating physician and should reduce their intake of salt and fat at breakfast and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal).”
He also stressed the patient’s need for monitoring their blood pressure accurately, eating more vegetables and fruit daily and performing daily exercises in good weather conditions.
Speaking about the main precautions to be adhered to by heart patients in order to avoid heart attacks or strokes, Al-Nemr confirmed that patients should take all of their medications on time and should avoid excessive exposure to the heat.
He also mentioned the need for exercising, quitting smoking and eating a lot of fresh produce, which have been scientifically proven to reduce the occurrence of strokes.
The program, which is being run under the slogan ‘Your Health in Ramadan,’ began during the first week of the holy month and seeks to helps Muslims in the Kingdom clear their doubts regarding any medical problems they face during this month.
The service is available on toll free number 8002494444 and the MoH’s Twitter account: @saudimoh. The service is conducted in Arabic and is open for the public during office hours on week days.
Regarding the main recommendations and guidelines that must be followed by heart patients during Ramadan, Al-Nemr said: “Such patients can fast only after obtaining the approval of their treating physician and should reduce their intake of salt and fat at breakfast and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal).”
He also stressed the patient’s need for monitoring their blood pressure accurately, eating more vegetables and fruit daily and performing daily exercises in good weather conditions.
Speaking about the main precautions to be adhered to by heart patients in order to avoid heart attacks or strokes, Al-Nemr confirmed that patients should take all of their medications on time and should avoid excessive exposure to the heat.
He also mentioned the need for exercising, quitting smoking and eating a lot of fresh produce, which have been scientifically proven to reduce the occurrence of strokes.
