Dr. Budoff's study is currently ongoing and more than halfway enrolled.
The data is exciting but preliminary.
Importance of maintaining normal healthcare and relationships with physicians.
Study Focus
Investigating individuals on a ketogenic diet rich in saturated fats, high animal protein, low fiber.
Participants have LDL cholesterol in the top percent of U.S. population, posing high cardiac risk.
Participant Demographics
Total Participants: 64
Average Age: 53 years
Age Distribution: Two-thirds are 50 and older
Gender: 66% male
LDL Cholesterol Levels
Before Diet: Mean LDL of 135
Current Mean LDL: 233, in the top 10% of the top 1% in the U.S.
Duration on Diet: On average, 4 years
Key Findings
Despite high LDL levels, two-thirds have calcification of zero and no total plaque score.
Detection Method: Coronary calcium scan plus CT angiogram.
Remaining third have plaque scores between 1 and 8 (maximum possible score: 45).
Participants mostly show low risk of atherosclerosis.
Exclusions and Observations
Excluded patients with diabetes and other risk factors.
Low levels of risk were observed despite high LDL levels.
Found one participant with heterozygous FH; excluded from study.
Implications for Lipid Energy Model
Supports the metabolic-centric model for understanding lipid levels.
Highlights the need for confirmatory studies to solidify findings.
Future Research Directions
Possibility of expanding research to larger groups and longer durations.
Emphasizes need for confirmatory studies.
Encourages continued participation to achieve full cohort enrollment.
Comparison with Miami Heart Study
Miami Heart Study uses a similar methodology for CT and calcium scanning.
Offers parallel data for comparison, excluding high LDLs from ketogenic diet or FH.
Aims to assess the prevalence of plaque in similar populations and the role of LDL in cardiovascular risk.
Takeaways
🎓 The study focuses on 64 participants with high LDL cholesterol on a ketogenic diet, currently over half enrolled.
🩺 Participants are advised to continue regular healthcare and consult their doctors, emphasizing the study's preliminary nature.
🍖 The ketogenic diet typically involves high saturated fats and low fiber, raising concerns about heart health due to high LDL levels.
📊 Despite an average LDL level of 233, two-thirds of participants show zero calcification and no detectable plaque, indicating low cardiovascular risk.
🚨 Only one participant in the study had a genetic predisposition (heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia), surprising given the high LDL levels.
🔬 Ongoing research aims to confirm findings; a larger confirmatory study is suggested to solidify results and conclusions.
🌍 Miami Heart study comparisons will help contextualize data and assess cardiovascular risks associated with LDL levels in similar populations.
📅 Continued enrollment is vital for robust data to provide clearer insights into the long-term effects of the ketogenic diet on heart health.