JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Carotid intima-media thickness may be an early biomarker for cardiovascular risk in patients treated with ketogenic dietary therapy

  • 0National Centre for Epilepsy, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Epilepsia Open +

|

September 30, 2025

|

September 30, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Long-term ketogenic diet therapy may increase atherosclerosis risk, indicated by thicker carotid arteries in patients compared to controls. This finding highlights the need for monitoring cardiovascular health in patients on this diet.

Area Of Science

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Dietary Interventions

Background

  • Ketogenic diet therapy, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, is used for various medical conditions.
  • Concerns exist regarding the long-term cardiovascular health impact of ketogenic diets.
  • Atherosclerosis is a primary concern in cardiovascular disease development.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate early signs of atherosclerosis in patients undergoing long-term ketogenic diet therapy.
  • To assess the relationship between ketogenic diet duration and cardiovascular health markers.
  • To investigate carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) as a potential indicator of atherosclerosis.

Main Methods

  • A cohort study comparing 28 patients on ketogenic diet therapy for over 5 years with 28 age- and gender-matched controls.
  • Ultrasound assessment of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was performed on all participants.
  • Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were recorded for the patient group.

Main Results

  • Patients on long-term ketogenic diet therapy exhibited significantly increased cIMT compared to controls (0.62 mm vs. 0.53 mm, p < 0.001).
  • The difference in cIMT was more pronounced with increasing age.
  • Blood pressure, BMI, and blood lipids remained within normal ranges in the patient group.

Conclusions

  • Increased cIMT suggests potential early atherosclerosis development in patients with long-term ketogenic diet treatment.
  • Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) may serve as an early biomarker for cardiovascular risk.
  • Routine monitoring of cIMT is recommended for patients on extended ketogenic diet therapy.

Keywords:

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management 01:26

321

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction 01:30

882

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT 01:25

395

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures 01:26

590

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests 01:27

470

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction 01:30

923

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...