What's good for failing hearts?

Ketones, low-carb diets, and fasting!

 Ketone bodies, especially β-hydroxybutyrate, play a crucial role in regulating the cardiovascular system. They are an energy source built from the breakdown of fats.  They provide extra energy for both the heart and blood vessels in healthy people, as well as those with heart failure or after a heart attack. This extra energy may improve heart function in failing hearts, while also promoting cell growth and preventing blood vessel reduction. Ketones influence various processes like cell growth, inflammation, oxidative stress, and heart remodeling. There have been many attempts to increase ketone delivery to the cardiovascular system for therapy, but results have been mixed. This article reviews the energy and signaling effects of ketones on the cardiovascular system and explores their potential for treating heart-related diseases.

Lopaschuk, G.D., Dyck, J.R.B. Ketones and the cardiovascular system. Nat Cardiovasc Res (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44161-023-00259-1. 

Although fears, misconceptions, and misinformation exists regarding ketogenic diets and fasting, it seems that this approach is a means of improving cardiac function following a diagnosis of heart failure as well as after a heart attack.  We have heard repeatedly from people, “I need my carbs”.  The reality is this is a misconception, in fact; it appears that what we need are ketone bodies, which can be achieved with ketogenic dieting and with fasting.  Sugar and carbohydrates continue to add to the obesity epidemic we see today. 

Jason & Rita