What doctors don't tell you. (Understand your Cholesterol on Keto)

In the recent Dr. BOS show, the focus was on understanding one's risk for heart disease through more detailed lipid profiling. The show discussed how factors like triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and particularly APOB levels, offer insights that standard cholesterol tests might miss.

Research from the women’s health study reveals critical age and blood pressure-related risk markers. Young individuals with uncontrolled blood pressure and older adults with elevated triglycerides show significantly higher risks for heart disease.

If your age is 55 or less and your blood pressure is out of control, your risk for heart disease jumps by more than twice. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels across all ages as a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease.

APOB levels offer another dimension to understanding cardiovascular health. An APOB level greater than 90 can denote increased risk. Meanwhile, managing triglyceride levels is vital both in younger adults and those aged 65 to 75 who are particularly at risk.

Insulin resistance drastically impacts lipid metabolism. High insulin levels can hinder the liver's ability to recycle lipoproteins efficiently, leading to an accumulation in circulation. This scenario elevates heart disease risk due to prolonged LDL residency, which is a foundation for plaque formation.

For individuals following a ketogenic diet, cholesterol profiles often reveal higher lipid movement due to reduced carbohydrate intake. However, this does not necessarily indicate heightened risk if APOB levels and triglyceride control are maintained. Those on a ketogenic diet should monitor their lipid profiles carefully and aim for fewer but larger LDL particles to mitigate heart disease risk.

Moving beyond general lipid panels, detailed profiling including LDL particle size and LPIR scores provides a comprehensive risk assessment. This helps in personalizing prevention strategies and avoiding unnecessary treatments like statins unless clearly indicated.

Patients are encouraged to learn about and utilize these metrics to better communicate with healthcare providers. Bringing quantitative data such as NMR results or APOB levels to doctor visits can enhance dialogue and decision-making regarding cardiovascular health strategies.

  • Lipid profiling should include APOB and triglyceride levels for thorough risk analysis.
  • Insulin resistance affects how the body processes and clears cholesterols.
  • A ketogenic diet influences lipid profiles but requires careful interpretation through specialized tests.
  • Patients should actively manage heart disease risk using detailed lipid insights, supported by robust data.
“If you invest time in understanding your lipid profile, you're better equipped to manage your cardiovascular risk.”

In conclusion, Dr. BOS stresses the importance of a well-rounded approach to heart disease risk assessment. Knowing your detailed lipid profile, particularly on a ketogenic diet, can help in effectively managing your heart disease risk. Empowering patients with education and specific data can lead to more informed health decisions and potentially better outcomes.

Wellness Inbox is a blog & weekly newsletter that curates trending news and products related to health and wellness from around the web. We also gather content from various sources, including leading health professionals, and deliver it directly to you.

Please note that we may receive compensation if you purchase any products featured in our newsletter. Wellness Inbox is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, any health professionals whose content may appear in our newsletter. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

The information provided is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information available is for general informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented and assume no liability for any errors or omissions. The content is subject to change without notice. We encourage you to verify any information with other reliable sources and consult your physician regarding any medical conditions or treatments.