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Metabolic Mind

Does Keto Cause Heart Disease?

May 15, 2023
Dr. Bret Scher, a board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist, challenges the myth that ketogenic diets increase heart disease risk. He emphasizes that narratives linking nutritional ketosis and heart issues stem from misleading data. The conversation highlights the importance of a comprehensive view of heart health, looking beyond just LDL cholesterol. Scher argues for individualized interpretations regarding the ketogenic diet and its effects on cardiovascular health, unveiling a nuanced perspective on metabolism and heart disease.
15:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast debunks the myth that a ketogenic diet definitively increases heart disease risk, emphasizing the lack of evidence supporting this belief.
  • It highlights the importance of a personalized approach to evaluating cardiovascular risk factors in individuals following a ketogenic diet, particularly regarding LDL levels.

Deep dives

Nutritional Ketosis and Heart Disease Risk

The podcast examines the misconception that following a ketogenic diet significantly increases the risk of heart disease. Contrary to the beliefs held by some medical professionals, there is no concrete evidence linking nutritional ketosis to increased cardiovascular events, as no intervention trials have been conducted on this topic. In the absence of direct outcome data, surrogate outcomes like LDL cholesterol are often used to assess risk, but it is essential to consider other markers of metabolic health and inflammation as well. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of cardiovascular risk factors beyond solely LDL levels.

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