Keto Diet May Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Events: Study Finds

A new study has found that the popular keto diet and similar diets may be linked to a heightened risk for cardiovascular events. The keto diet consists of 75% fats, 20% protein, and 5% carbs, and forces the body to burn fats from food instead of carbohydrates, producing ketones as fuel.^[0] For this study, 305 people who reported having a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet, taken from the U.K. Biobank, were compared to 1,200 individuals who reported consuming a standard diet.^[1]

The researchers found that those with the highest levels of LDL cholesterol — the bad kind — were at the highest risk for a cardiovascular event.^[2] After an average of 11.8 years of follow-up — and after adjustment for other risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and smoking — people on an LCHF diet had more than two-times higher risk of having several major cardiovascular events, such as blockages in the arteries that needed to be opened with stenting procedures, heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.

Lead author Iulia Iatan, M.D., Ph.D., recommends that “before starting this dietary pattern, they should consult a health care provider.^[3] It is advised that, while following the diet, their cholesterol levels be monitored and any other potential risk factors for heart disease or stroke, like diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and smoking, be addressed.^[4][5]

It appears that not everyone reacts similarly to an LCHF diet, according to the results of the study.^[6] “One of our next steps,^[5] adds Iatan, “will be to try to identify specific characteristics or genetic markers that can predict how someone will respond to this type of diet.^[5]

Registered dietitian nutritionist Jennifer Allen said, “There's nothing inherently bad about the keto diet, as long as it's for the appropriate person, the consumption of fats are balanced, and the diet is cycled to allow for antioxidants and fiber. This study demonstrates that the keto diet definitely is not for everyone, and it would be helpful to seek guidance from a professional to make sure you're a good candidate.^[8][5]

In conclusion, the study has found that the keto diet may be linked to a heightened risk for cardiovascular events and it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting this dietary pattern.^[9]

0. “Heart: Can Keto-Like Diets Lead To Heart Diseases?” NDTV, 10 Mar. 2023, https://www.ndtv.com/health/heart-can-keto-like-diets-lead-to-heart-diseases-3850751

1. “New study links ‘keto-like’ diets with cardiovascular issues” WAVE 3, 11 Mar. 2023, https://www.wave3.com/2023/03/11/new-study-links-keto-like-diets-with-cardiovascular-issues/

2. “Trendy diet loved by Kim and Kourtney Kardashian ‘doubles your risk of killer heart disease’…” The US Sun, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.the-sun.com/health/7570568/keto-diet-kim-kardashian-risk-heart-disease/

3. “‘Keto-like' diet linked to higher risk of heart disease, new research shows” GMA, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/wellness/story/keto-diet-linked-higher-risk-heart-disease-new-97659990

4. “Heart Attack Due to Keto Diet? Experts Highlight How Certain Diets Lead to Bad Cholesterol” India.com, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.india.com/health/heart-attack-due-to-keto-diet-experts-highlight-how-certain-diets-lead-to-bad-cholesterol-5930819

5. “‘Potential cardiovascular risk' for some on keto-style diet” Healio, 5 Mar. 2023, https://www.healio.com/news/cardiology/20230305/potential-cardiovascular-risk-for-some-on-ketostyle-diet

6. “Beware of Keto Diet: May Be Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Attacks and Cardiovascular Disease” SciTechDaily, 7 Mar. 2023, https://scitechdaily.com/beware-of-keto-diet-may-be-linked-to-higher-risk-of-heart-attacks-and-cardiovascular-disease

7. “Keto-like diet may be linked to higher risk of heart disease, cardiac events: Study” The Straits Times, 9 Mar. 2023, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/keto-like-diet-may-be-linked-to-higher-risk-of-heart-disease-cardiac-events-study

8. “Keto diets could increase risk of heart attack and stroke, says new study” Yahoo Life, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/keto-diets-could-increase-risk-184847335.html

9. “New study shows keto diet may have negative impact on heart health” Sportskeeda, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.sportskeeda.com/health-and-fitness/new-study-shows-keto-diet-may-negative-impact-heart-health