Intermittent Fasting: A Heart Healthy Dietary Pattern?

April 2020
Tiffany A. DONG, MD, Pratik B. SANDESARA, MD, Devinder S. DHINDSA, MD, Anurag MEHTA, MD, Laura C. ARNESON, MD, Allen L. DOLLAR, MD, Pam R. TAUB, MD,5 and Laurence S. SPERLING, MD

Abstract

Dietary patterns, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and the Mediterranean diet, have been shown to improve cardiac health. Intermittent fasting is another type of popular dietary pattern that is based upon timed periods of fasting.

Two different regimens are Alternative Day Fasting and Time-Restricted Eating. Although there are no large, randomized control trials examining the relationship between intermittent fasting and cardiovascular outcomes, current human studies that suggest this diet could reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease with improvement in weight control, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes.

Intermittent fasting may exert its effects through multiple pathways including reducing oxidative stress, optimization of circadian rhythms and ketogenesis. This review evaluates current literature regarding the potential cardiovascular benefits of intermittent fasting and proposes directions for future research.

Conclusions

Human studies show promise for cardiovascular benefit in intermittent fasting. Although the exact mechanisms remain to be elucidated, intermittent fasting appears to positively impact multiple cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Furthermore, intermittent fasting has been associated with improved outcome after a cardiac event.

These results should encourage future studies to optimize intermittent fasting's potential to improve cardiovascular outcomes.