Is Intermittent Fasting Sneaking Risks into Your Heart Health? Neurologist Shares Tips and Precautions

Intermittent fasting (IF) has become a go-to for weight loss, better metabolism, and even longevity. But could squeezing meals into an ultra-short window like eight hours or less, spell trouble for your heart? Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, breaks it down in a recent YouTube video and X post, spotlighting a U.S. study that raises red flags. Here’s what he says, backed by solid science, to keep your fasting safe and effective.

In his video, Dr. Kumar grabs attention: "If you are somebody who practices intermittent fasting or if you are thinking of practicing, then you should listen to this report." He’s referring to a 2024 study from the American Heart Association’s EPI Lifestyle Sessions, analyzing 19,831 U.S. adults over eight years. Participants tracked eating patterns via two dietary recalls, comparing windows from under eight hours to over 16. The finding? Those eating in less than eight hours had a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular death compared to 12-16 hour eaters.

Dr. Kumar says in his post that, "People who ate all their meals within less than 8 hours a day had a more than two-fold increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease."

Dr. Kumar doesn’t hype the scare. He shared some limitations of the study via his tweet:

1. Observational Design – This study shows an association, not causation. We cannot be certain that fasting caused the higher heart risk.

2. Diet Quality Not Fully Captured – What people ate may matter as much as when they ate. Poor diet quality within a short eating window could partly explain the results.

3. Self-Reported Data – Eating times were recorded from just two dietary recalls, which may not reflect long-term habits accurately.

4. Underlying Illness – Some participants with pre-existing health problems might have naturally eaten less frequently, making it look like fasting was the cause.

Don't ditch IF just yet—Dr. Kumar's all about tweaks, not overhauls. His video wrapped with actionable gems: "Moderation is the key." Instead of extreme eight-hour crunches, aim for 10-12 hours of eating (pairing with 12-14 hours fasting) for benefits without the drama.

Other nuggets from his X post:

1. Moderation Matters – Eating all meals in less than 8 hours may be risky for the heart. More balanced fasting windows (10–12 hours) may be safer and still beneficial.

2. Diet Quality is Crucial – Healthy foods matter more than the clock. Junk food eaten in a short window is still junk food.

3. IF is Not for Everyone – People with diabetes, heart disease, the elderly, or those on multiple medications should consult a doctor before trying intermittent fasting.

4. Listen to Your Body – If fasting leads to fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeats, or nutritional deficiencies, it may not be suitable for you.

5. Research is Ongoing – More long-term studies are needed. 

While research continues to evolve, being mindful of the Intermittent Fasting Heart Risk, experts suggest that it can help you choose a safer, more balanced approach to fasting.

(Rh/Eth/VK/MSM)