Siddha fasting in obese acute decompensated heart failure may improve hospital outcomes through empowerment and natural ketosis

Anand Chockalingam, Senthil Kumar, Mauricio Sendra Ferrer, Saivaroon Gajagowni, Maxwell Isaac, Poorna Karuparthi, Kul Aggarwal, Selva Shunmugam, Arul Amuthan, Arpit Aggarwal, Chetan P. Hans, Kiruba Krishnaswamy, Smrita Dorairajan, Zhenguo Liu, Greg Flaker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Morbid obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2 with comorbid conditions) is present in 25 – 35% of acute decompensated heart failure (AHF) patients. Prevalence of HF increases with duration of morbid obesity from 30% at 15 years to over 90% at 30 years. There is a need to develop pragmatic therapies that address the unique physical and mental challenges faced by obese AHF patients. Siddha is 5,000 year old Tamil Medicine using yoga and mind-body methods towards higher consciousness. Hunger gratitude Experience (HUGE) is intuitive Siddha fasting method which may improve in-hospital AHF outcomes independent of weight reduction. Case summary: We present 5 cases of morbidly obese patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) that began intermittent fasting either during their AHF hospitalization or in the outpatient setting for refractory symptoms despite hospitalization. Initiation of fasting correlated with reduction of respiratory distress and edema as well as improvements in psychological wellbeing and functional capacity. Discussion: Siddha fasting mediates hemodynamic and anti-inflammatory effects through natural ketosis and psychological benefits through empowerment in AHF. Potential role of fasting in reducing myocardial workload, coronary steal, angina, volume overload, and CRS needs further study in cardiac patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)714-718
Number of pages5
JournalExplore
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-11-2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Analysis
  • Nursing(all)
  • Chiropractics
  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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