A new study suggests that consuming a ketogenic or “keto-like” diet that involves low carbohydrates and high fat may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including chest pain, blocked arteries, heart attacks, and strokes. The study, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session, found that such diets raised levels of “bad” cholesterol in the blood and led to a two-fold increase in cardiovascular events. The research team analysed data from over half a million people in the UK Biobank, with 305 participants who had consumed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet being matched with 1,220 participants who had eaten a standard diet. Individuals on the low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet had a two-times higher risk of experiencing several major cardiovascular events.
