New Study Warns of Cardiovascular Risk with Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet

At a recent scientific conference, a study was presented that suggested that a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates, known as a “keto-like” diet, could potentially increase one’s risk of cardiovascular events, such as chest pain, blocked arteries, heart attacks, and strokes.^[0] The study suggests that this type of diet may lead to higher levels of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease and other deadly cardiovascular conditions.

On a ketogenic or “keto” diet, 10% of the daily caloric intake should be carbohydrates, 30% should be protein, and the remaining 60% should be fat. The diet triggers a process called “ketosis,” wherein the body derives energy from burning fats rather than carbohydrates, producing ketones as fuel.^[1] Diets such as keto, which are low in carbohydrates, rely heavily on fats to keep you It is estimated that the keto diet consists of at least 70%, and possibly up to 90%, fat.

In a population-based cohort study, regular consumption of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet was associated with elevated LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels, and an increased risk for incident major adverse coronary events (MACE), according to lead study author Dr. Iulia Iatan with the Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic, St. Paul’s Hospital and University of British Columbia’s Centre for Heart Lung Innovation in Vancouver, Canada.

Iatan further stated that individuals contemplating a Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat (LCHF) diet should be mindful that it might cause a rise in their Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Therefore, they should seek advice from a health professional prior to starting this dietary regime.^[2] “While on the diet, it is recommended they have their cholesterol levels monitored and should try to address other risk factors for heart disease or stroke, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and smoking.”^[3]

The researchers conducted an analysis of the UK Biobank, which is a large, long-term database containing health information from over 500,000 people in the UK who were monitored for a minimum of 10 years.^[4] Upon enrollment in the biobank, 70,684 participants filled out a one-time 24-hour diet questionnaire and their cholesterol levels were tested with a blood draw.^[5]

0. “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/

1. “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

2. “Keto-Like Diet Could Raise Heart Disease Risk | HealthNews” Healthnews.com, 7 Mar. 2023, https://healthnews.com/news/scientists-say-keto-like-diet-raises-heart-disease-risk/

3. “‘Keto-like' diet linked to higher risk of heart disease, new research shows” My Moinfo, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.mymoinfo.com/syndicated-article/?id=1495649

4. “Keto-like diet might double the risk of cardiovascular issues, finds new research” WION, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-keto-like-diet-might-double-the-risk-of-cardiovascular-issues-finds-new-research-569209

5. “Keto Diet Dangers: Popular Diet Found To Increase Heart Attack, Stroke Risk” Medical Daily, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.medicaldaily.com/keto-diet-increases-heart-attack-stroke-risk-468356