An elderly woman looks at the blood pressure monitor on her wrist

Study on the effect of long-term fasting on blood pressure

Franziska Grundler et al.

November 2020

High blood pressure

Other fasting

The study investigated the daily changes in blood pressure during fasting periods of 4 to 41 days in a cohort of 1610 subjects consisting of normotensive, non-medicated hypertensive and medicated hypertensive individuals. The participants underwent a fasting program with a daily intake of around 250 kcal.

Weight and stress levels decreased and the well-being index increased during fasting, indicating good tolerance. Overall, mean blood pressure levels decreased, with a greater reduction observed in non-medicated hypertensives, particularly those with higher baseline blood pressure levels. Normotensive subjects showed moderate reductions in blood pressure, while a subgroup of female subjects with low baseline blood pressure showed an increase . Subjects on antihypertensive medication showed a decrease in blood pressure, with some discontinuing or reducing their medication. The drop in blood pressure was more pronounced in those who fasted for longer periods.

Using machine learning models that take into account baseline metabolic parameters and age, the extent of blood pressure reduction during fasting could be predicted.

Long-term fasting appears to lower blood pressure sustainably, even after resumption of food and discontinuation of antihypertensive medication.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: High blood pressure
Institution: Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic Überlingen, Germany
Title: Study on the effect of long-term fasting on blood pressure
Brief description: The study shows that long-term fasting sustainably lowers blood pressure, improves well-being & enables a reduction in medication.
Original title: Blood Pressure Changes in 1610 Subjects With and Without Antihypertensive Medication During Long-Term Fasting
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33222606/