Cardiac complications of protein-sparing modified fasting

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Nutritional Science
• Pathology

Background:

• Protein-sparing modified fasting (PSMF) is a restrictive diet.
• PSMF is used for rapid weight loss.
• Potential cardiovascular risks of PSMF require investigation.

Observation:

• A patient undergoing PSMF presented with syncope.
• Clinical examination revealed hypotension and QTc interval prolongation.
• Low QRS voltage was noted prior to cardiac events.

Findings:

• The patient developed refractory ventricular tachycardia.
• Autopsy showed antemortem thrombi on the left ventricular endocardium.
• A fenestrated aortic valve was identified post-mortem.

Implications:

• PSMF carries significant risks of severe cardiovascular complications.
• Sudden death is a potential adverse outcome of PSMF.
• Close medical monitoring is crucial for patients on PSMF.