Urgent! Regarding the fast — small vessel disease.
Question
About four years ago, I experienced an arrhythmia and, about a month later, a stroke. An MRI showed that I suffer from "progressive small vessel disease." I also have high blood pressure and severe sleep apnea (as defined by a sleep lab). I'm on regular treatment with blood thinners, blood pressure medication, and medication for my heart and arrhythmia. I’m currently stable.Until now, I haven’t fasted based on guidance from various halachic authorities, but I always make sure to ask before each fast (Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av). This time, I didn’t manage to ask in time. I would appreciate a response from the Rav shlit”a before Shabbos:Am I required to fast?If not, should I at least avoid eating?Do I need to ask before every fast, or given my condition, am I permanently exempt?
Answer
Shalom uVracha,
- You are not allowed to fast.
- A person who is ill is exempt from fasting on Tisha B’Av, and you are permitted to eat and drink normally.
- For all fasts except Yom Kippur, there’s no need to ask—you are exempt. Before Yom Kippur, you should consult your doctor about your medical situation, and then ask a Rav how to handle eating and drinking—whether eating in small amounts (shiurim) will suffice, or if regular eating is required, etc.