### Keto Diets and Heart Disease Risk A recent study has shown that following a keto diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, can more than double the risk of serious heart problems. People on these diets were found to have higher levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as 'bad' cholesterol, which is linked to heart disease. The study compared 305 people on a keto-like diet with 1,220 people on a standard diet over nearly 12 years. It found that 9.8% of those on the keto diet experienced new heart events, such as heart attacks or strokes, compared to 4.3% of those on a standard diet. The researchers recommend consulting a healthcare provider before starting a keto diet and monitoring cholesterol levels regularly. They also suggest addressing other risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and smoking. While the keto diet aims to put the body in a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, the long-term effects on heart health need careful consideration.