In a chat: Is intermittent fasting really harmful to your heart?

Supporters of intermittent fasting frequently highlight advantages such as weight loss, enhanced blood sugar levels, and lowered cholesterol. Scientific research provides some backing to these assertions, particularly in the short term. However, questions arise regarding the long-term effects of intermittent fasting and whether it might have adverse impacts on the human heart.

Intermittent fasting remains a topic of debate within the realm of health and wellness. While some studies highlight its short-term benefits like lowered cholesterol within a 10-12 hour eating window, or an improved gut microbiome for individuals with obesity, conflicting evidence exists regarding its efficacy for weight loss.

Certain studies indicate that intermittent fasting may mitigate certain risk factors associated with heart disease, such as reduced cholesterol and blood pressure. However, a recent presentation at the EPI Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago suggested that consuming meals within an 8-hour window could potentially elevate the risk of cardiovascular death by up to 91%.

Given that time-restricted eating represents a relatively novel area of investigation, experts concur that there is a dearth of long-term studies examining the impact of eating practices like intermittent fasting on the body, particularly concerning the cardiovascular system.

In response to these contentious discoveries, Feature Editor Maria Cohut and I convened for a comprehensive discussion on intermittent fasting in the latest episode of our In Conversation podcast.

We were joined by Ali Javaheri, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at the Center for Cardiovascular Research at Washington University. Together, we delved into various questions surrounding intermittent fasting, including its physiological effects, safety considerations for different individuals, and key factors to bear in mind for those contemplating its adoption.

Source: Medicalnewstoday