The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that often raises questions about its impact on heart health. One common concern is, “Does eating more fat increase my risk of heart problems?” A recent study published in Scientific Reports (October 2024) offers some answers and clears up this confusion.
This article is about the study that showed that a ketogenic diet can lower all-cause mortality without increasing heart related deaths.
All-cause mortality refers to the total number of deaths from any cause within a specific population and time period, regardless of the underlying reason.
The main difference between the ketogenic diet and a traditional heart-healthy diet lies in the macronutrient composition:
Ketogenic Diet:
- Carbohydrates: 5-10% of total calories (very low)
- Fats: 70-80% of total calories (very high)
- Proteins: 10-20% of total calories (moderate)
Regular Heart-Healthy Diet (e.g., DASH or Mediterranean Diet):
- Carbohydrates: 45-65% of total calories (moderate to high, with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables)
- Fats: 20-35% of total calories (moderate, focusing on unsaturated fats like olive oil and nuts)
- Proteins: 15-25% of total calories (moderate, with lean sources like fish, chicken, and legumes)
The ketogenic diet is designed to push the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
In contrast, traditional heart-healthy diets aim to reduce saturated fat intake, increase fiber, and maintain balanced blood sugar levels through moderate carbohydrate consumption.
The Ketogenic All-Cause Mortality Study
Researchers examined data from 43,776 adults who participated in a large health survey in the U.S. from 2001 to 2018.
They wanted to find out if eating a ketogenic diet affected overall death rates (all-cause mortality) and deaths related to heart problems (cardiovascular disease, or CVD).
The study used several statistical models to find connections, check for patterns and ran additional analyses to ensure accurate results.
Results
Living Longer
People who followed a ketogenic diet had a 24% lower risk of dying from any cause. This is a significant finding, suggesting that the diet could help people live longer.
No Extra Heart Risk
The study found no link between eating a ketogenic diet and an increased risk of dying from heart-related problems.
In other words, eating more fat didn’t seem to harm the heart.
- Cholesterol and Blood Sugar: The Strong Link
- How High Blood Sugar Makes Your Good Cholesterol Turn Bad
Clear Pattern
The analysis showed a steady relationship—the more people followed a ketogenic diet, the lower their risk of dying from any cause.
What Does This Mean for You?
This study suggests that a ketogenic diet may help you live longer without increasing your risk of heart disease.
For those worried about the high-fat content of the diet, these findings are reassuring.
How Does the Ketogenic Diet Do It?
Here are some possible reasons:
Better Metabolism
The ketogenic diet can improve how your body processes sugar, reduce inflammation, and decrease harmful belly fat—all of which are linked to better health.
Improved Cholesterol
While the diet can raise “bad” LDL cholesterol for some, it often increases “good” HDL cholesterol and lowers triglycerides, creating a healthier balance overall.
Efficient Energy
Ketones, the fuel your body uses on this diet, are very efficient and can reduce damage to your cells.
Things to Keep in Mind
While the results are promising, there are a few things to remember:
- It’s Not Proof: This observational study can’t prove that the ketogenic diet directly causes these benefits.
- Diet Differences: Not everyone follows the ketogenic diet the same way, so results can vary.
- Other Factors: Things like exercise, medication, and genetics might also affect these outcomes.
Conclusion
This study shows that following a ketogenic diet might help you live longer without harming your heart.
If you’re considering this diet, focus on eating healthy, whole foods and monitor your cholesterol and overall health.
Talking to a doctor or dietitian can help you customize the diet to fit your needs.
The ketogenic diet isn’t just a trend—it may have real health benefits.
The right approach could be a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle.
Don’t Get Sick!
Stay current by subscribing. Feel free to share and like.
Follow me on Truth Social, Gab, Twitter (X), Facebook, Follow, and Telegram.
If you find value in this website, please consider buying a coffee to show your support.
Related:
- Boosting Interferon and COVID-19 Immunity with Ketogenesis
- Temperature and water intake affects time to ketosis
- Exercise during fasting hastens ketosis onset
- Dietary changes to remove the Warburg Effect and prevent cancer
- Keto and Intermittent Fasting: A Beginner’s Guide
Reference:
Qu, X., Huang, L. & Rong, J. The ketogenic diet has the potential to decrease all-cause mortality without a concomitant increase in cardiovascular-related mortality. Sci Rep 14, 22805 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73384-x
© 2018 – 2025 Asclepiades Medicine, LLC. All Rights Reserved
DrJesseSantiano.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.