Low-carb diets 'may cause cardiac problems'
Thursday 27th August 2009
Eating foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates could lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
That is the finding of research conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), which identified a link between such a diet and a rise in atherosclerosis - a build-up of plaque in the arteries of the heart.
Scientists involved in the study - published in the online version of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - explained that low-carb, high-protein diets have been shown to benefit weight loss.
However, they added that little is known about long-term vascular health effects and that simple measures such as cholesterol levels may not show the whole picture.
"This issue is particularly important given the growing epidemic of obesity and its adverse consequence," said senior author of the report Anthony Rosenzweig.
BIDMC was formed in 1996, when a pair of neighbouring hospitals - Beth Israel and Deaconess - combined.
Written by Martin Lambert 
Related articles
High blood pressure can be combated by ...
The risk of having a heart condition due to high blood pressure can be combated by pills that contain a variety of drugs. ...
Wednesday 16th May 2012
Stroke risk increased by irregular heartbeat in...
Strokes are among the biggest killers worldwide and new research has found that older women diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat...
Thursday 10th May 2012
Blood pressure drugs could help trauma victims
Blood pressure drugs could be the latest weapon to help trauma victims reduce the likelihood of getting severe post-traumatic...
Wednesday 2nd May 2012
Related Cardiac-Physiology Jobs
Permanent Lead Cardiac Cath Lab Technician based in LondonLead Cardiac Cath Lab Technician Job - London Band 7 Salary...
Full infoEchocardiographer (BSE accredited) required for a locum job in Essex. Our Essex based client is looking for a locum Echocardiographer...
Full infoExperienced Paediatric Echocardiographer required for an exciting new locum job based in Southampton.We are recruiting a BSE Echocardiogrpaher...
Full info