Why can the risk of heart disease be increased by intermittent fasting? Know what research says

By Cross Talk India Team On Aug 25, 2025

Fasting and heart disease: Nowadays, intermittent fasting has become a trend in the world of fitness. Many people adopt this diet pattern to lose weight, improve metabolism and stay healthy. But some recent research has raised the question whether the intermittent fasting is really safe for everyone? According to reports, the risk of heart disease may be almost double the risk of heart disease in prolonged intermittent fasting. This is shocking because most people consider it a part of a healthy lifestyle. In such a situation, it is important that we understand how the intermittent fasting can affect the heart and what we should take care of.

What is intermittent fasting?

Entrectant Fasting is a diet pattern in which the time of eating is limited throughout the day. The most popular pattern is 16: 8 rules, ie eating nothing for 16 hours and eating in only 8 hours window. Some people adopt it up to 14:10, 18: 6 or even 20: 4. It is believed that it helps to detox the body, increase insulin sensitivity and lose weight. But when the food time is constantly limited, it can also affect the body’s nutrition needs and heart health.

What does research say?

A recent study found that people who eat food in 8 hours or less daily can double the risk of cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attack and stroke). Actually, when the body does not get food for a long time, it starts doing fat breakdown to get energy. Initially this process looks good, but in a long time it can cause extra pressure on the body and may spoil the blood lipid level. This imbalance can cause heart diseases.

How does the effect affect the heart?

Cholesterol imbalance- Constant fasting can increase poor cholesterol (LDL) and reduce good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

Blood pressure enlargement- Stand hormone cortisol increases due to long stay hungry, which can unbalance blood pressure.

Danger of inflammation- During fasting, there can be a condition of inflammation in the body, which is the risk factor of heart attack.

Hormonal imbalance- Long fasting windows in women and the elderly can affect hormones, which further increases the risk of heart disease.

Who is more at risk?

The effect of intermittent fasting on everyone is not the same. Some people easily adopt it, while some have more negative effects on some.

Heart patients- Those who already have heart disease, should abstain from intermittent fasting.

Diabetes patients- Sugar level can fall suddenly due to long food without eating, which affects the heart.

Pregnant women- During this time the lack of nutrition directly affects the health of the mother and child.

Elderly Weak immune systems and bones have more side effects.

What to do to stay safe?

If you want to do intermittent fasting then do not adopt it without thinking and long.

Consult a doctor or nutritionist- adopt this diet only on the basis of your health and medical history.
Take a balanced diet- Do not eat more oily, processed or heavy food after finishing fasting.
Take care of hydration- Keep the body hydrated with water and herbal drinks.
Make small changes- 16: 8 patterns do not fit on all, you can choose an easy option like 12:12 or 14:10.

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