This post is based on the recently published research [1] and has very practical implications for those recovering from a heart attack.
What is New?
Improved Left Ventricular Function: Intermittent fasting significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-STEMI compared to a regular diet.
Reduced Blood Pressure and Weight: Intermittent fasting significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure and body weight.
Safety and Adherence: Intermittent fasting was safe and well-tolerated, with high patient adherence (median 83.7% of days fasted).
What are the Clinical Implications?
Potential for Improved Outcomes: Intermittent fasting shows promise as a safe and effective intervention for improving cardiac function and clinical outcomes in post-MI patients.
Need for Larger Trials: A larger trial is warranted to confirm these findings and evaluate the impact of intermittent fasting on long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
Key Findings of the INTERFAST-MI Trial:
Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, non-blinded, single-center pilot trial.
Participants: 48 patients with STEMI randomized to either intermittent fasting or a regular diet for 6 months.
Intervention: Intermittent fasting involved a regular diet for no more than 8 hours per day, alternating with fasting for at least 16 hours per day.
Primary Outcome: Change in LVEF at 4 weeks.
Key Results:
Primary Outcome: Significant improvement in LVEF in the intermittent fasting group compared to the control group (mean difference: 6.636% vs. 1.450%; P=0.038). This effect persisted and was even more pronounced at 3 and 6 months.
Secondary Outcomes:Significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure in the intermittent fasting group.
Greater reduction in body weight in the intermittent fasting group.
No adverse events related to fasting were reported.
Important Quotes:
"These results suggest that intermittent fasting following acute myocardial infarction is safe and holds promise to support myocardial recovery and regeneration."
"A randomized, controlled, multicenter trial of this approach is warranted."
Overall:
The INTERFAST-MI trial provides compelling preliminary evidence for the safety and potential benefit of intermittent fasting after STEMI.
References: