Keto Diet: Heart-Healthy Or Hazardous?

The keto diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that is often used for weight loss. It has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiac events, such as chest pain, blocked arteries, heart attacks, and strokes. The diet can lead to increased levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and twice the risk of cardiovascular issues. However, the diet's long-term effects are still unknown, and more research is needed to establish a causal relationship.

The keto diet may be linked to higher levels of bad cholesterol

The ketogenic diet is a popular weight-loss strategy that involves eating high amounts of fat, moderate amounts of protein, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates.

The keto diet's impact on cholesterol levels is a subject of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that the keto diet can lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, while raising levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol.

However, other studies have found that the keto diet can improve total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels, with no significant effect on, or even a reduction in, LDL cholesterol levels.

The impact of the keto diet on cholesterol levels may depend on the types of fats consumed. Consuming mostly unsaturated fats, such as those found in plant oils, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, may improve cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol levels.

It is important to note that the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with high cholesterol or certain medical conditions. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, including the keto diet.

The keto diet may be linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as chest pain, blocked arteries requiring stents, heart attacks and strokes

The keto diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. By depriving the body of carbohydrates, it is forced to start breaking down fat for energy instead. The International Food Information Council estimates that as many as 8% of Americans were on a ketogenic diet in 2020.

However, the keto diet is not without its critics. One study suggests that the diet in which there is a large consumption of saturated fats from animal products is likely contributing to the increase in cholesterol. Another study found that every time you're on a keto diet, you have high saturated fat and low fiber—there's no other way to do it. So LDL goes up.

It is important to note that the study presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific session is considered preliminary because it has not yet been peer-reviewed for publication in a medical journal.

The keto diet may be linked to higher levels of apolipoprotein B (a protein on the surface of cholesterol)

The keto diet may be linked to higher levels of apolipoprotein B, a protein on the surface of cholesterol. Apolipoprotein B is a biomarker for cardiovascular disease. A low-carbohydrate, high-fat "keto-like" diet was associated with increased levels of apolipoprotein B in an observational study presented at the American College of Cardiology. The study found that 9.8% of participants on a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet experienced a new cardiac event, compared with 4.3% of those on a standard diet.

Another study found that a high-fat ketogenic diet produced significant increases in the atherogenic apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins and a decrease in the antiatherogenic HDL cholesterol. Apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, or HDL cholesterol levels alone.

The ketogenic diet has been shown to have a multifaceted effect on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. It has a beneficial effect on the blood lipid profile, even compared to other diets. It also shows strong anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective potential.

The keto diet may be linked to a higher risk of heart disease

The keto diet is a popular weight-loss diet that involves consuming low amounts of carbohydrates and high amounts of fats. It is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet. The body is forced to start breaking down fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

A recent study found that a keto-like diet may be associated with higher levels of "bad" cholesterol and twice the risk of cardiovascular events such as chest pain, blocked arteries requiring stenting, heart attacks, and strokes. The study found that among the participants on an LCHF diet, those with the highest levels of LDL cholesterol were at the highest risk for a cardiovascular event.

The keto diet is not totally safe and can be associated with some adverse events. In rodents, development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance have been described.

The short answer is no. Even if you choose all healthy fats, like olive oil and fish, you’ll still end up eating more saturated fat than is safe and healthy.

Moreover, what you’re not eating can also increase your risk of heart disease. When you avoid whole grains, legumes, and fruit, you lose a lot of the dietary fiber that helps protect your heart.

While individual results of the diet can vary widely in different people, most people will see a rise in their cholesterol level, even if they lose weight. For people with a history of heart disease or high cholesterol, this can be especially dangerous.

A study comparing the keto diet to a low-fat diet found that after a year, people who were still on the keto diet had only lost two more pounds on average than those on the low-fat diet. And the keto diet is much less likely to be maintained over time.

The keto diet is mostly associated with a worsened levels of total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. In humans, the opposite is reported. These differences are mostly explained by differences in the composition of the diets, which are usually higher in total fat, but also in saturated fat in animal studies.

Overall, an increase in energy expenditure in mice fed a keto diet compared to mice fed a chow diet could be the mechanism responsible for decreased weight gain or weight loss seen in rodents, despite a similar caloric intake.

The keto diet may be linked to a higher risk of peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition where a waxy substance called plaque builds up on the walls of arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to other parts of the body. It is a serious condition that can lead to amputation of limbs if left untreated.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that induces the body into a 'ketogenic' state, using fats instead of carbohydrates as the primary energy source. While the keto diet has gained popularity as a quick way to lose weight, recent studies have shown that it may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as chest pain, blocked arteries, heart attack, and stroke.

There is evidence to suggest that the keto diet may be linked to a higher risk of Peripheral Artery Disease. A study by Dr. Iulia Iatan and colleagues found that compared to individuals on a standard diet, those on a keto-like diet had higher levels of LDL cholesterol, a known risk factor for heart disease. After more than 10 years of follow-up, 9.8% of people on a keto-like diet experienced a new cardiac event such as artery blockage, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, compared to 4.3% of those on a standard diet.

The keto diet's high-fat content may be a contributing factor to the increased risk of Peripheral Artery Disease. High-fat foods, especially those high in saturated and trans fats, are known to raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. The keto diet's restriction of carbohydrates can also lead to a reduction in fiber intake, which is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

While the exact mechanisms behind the link between the keto diet and Peripheral Artery Disease are not yet fully understood, the available evidence suggests that the keto diet may increase the risk of Peripheral Artery Disease by impacting cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors.

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