Dr. Eric Westman delves into the debate surrounding the carnivore diet and its alleged link to heart disease. This examination raises important questions about the role of traditional metrics like LDL cholesterol in assessing cardiovascular risk.

The current discourse on heart health often centers around LDL cholesterol, which some experts view as the primary culprit in cardiovascular disease. However, Dr. Westman suggests an alternative perspective, emphasizing the significance of other health indicators such as triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, smoking status, and overall lifestyle.

During the analysis, Dr. Westman highlights the use of CT angiograms as a more comprehensive tool than coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores for evaluating arterial health. Despite being less accessible, CT angiograms offer detailed insights into plaque buildup within arteries, contributing to a nuanced understanding of heart disease risk.

"What you eat matters so much, and I’m afraid most of my colleagues are just taught how to use medication and not how to really optimize the diet."

While some experts focus on LDL levels as a risk factor, Westman argues for a broader view of health, one that incorporates lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. He critiques the over-reliance on medications alone to manage cholesterol levels, suggesting that changes in lifestyle may offer comparable, if not superior, benefits.

For individuals following a carnivore or ketogenic diet, Dr. Westman recommends regular monitoring and personalized health assessments. Given the limited long-term data on these diets, ongoing evaluation is essential to understand their profound impacts on markers like LDL and overall heart health.

Finally, Dr. Westman underscores the importance of independent health investigations, such as personal dietary assessments and targeted medical tests, to inform individual health decisions.

• Use CT angiograms for detailed artery health assessment.
• Consider the impact of lifestyle and history on heart health.
• Balanced view of LDL cholesterol's role in cardiovascular risk.
• Evaluate all dietary impacts in the context of overall health.