Top tips to managing hypertension in Ramadan

During Ramadan, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle if you have high blood pressure and want to fast so that abstaining from food will not have a negative impact on your hypertension.

Here are some tips for a healthy fasting routine during the Holy Month of Ramadan:

• Stay properly hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids from Iftar until Suhoor to prevent dehydration and other associated complications throughout the fasting day

• Make fruits and vegetables an essential part of your Ramadan meals as they are an important source of potassium that helps control high blood pressure

• Stay away from high sodium foods such as salted nuts, pickles, and fried foods that can elevate your blood pressure

• Avoid processed meats and cheese, such as sausages and mortadella as they contain high amounts of sodium

• Continue exercising during Ramadan as it helps regulate blood pressure

• Eat grilled fish at least twice a week as fish contains a healthy fat called Omega-3, which helps regulate blood pressure and prevents cardiovascular disease

• If you smoke, use Ramadan as an opportunity to quit as smoking raises systolic blood pressure (the first number) and significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke

• Reduce salt consumption in general.