Q&A: Does Keto Help or Hurt AFib? KETO-CTA Study, Ketone levels & More

Can ketogenic therapy help atrial fibrillation? What should you make of the KETO-CTA study? And do higher ketones always mean better results?

In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher answers audience questions about cardiovascular health, ketosis, ketone levels, and how to personalize a ketogenic approach based on your goals and metabolic health. From AFib concerns to cholesterol controversies and troubleshooting low ketone readings, this episode tackles some of the most common questions in the keto community.

In this episode, we cover:

• Ketogenic therapy and atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• The latest update on the KETO-CTA study
• LDL cholesterol, plaque, and cardiovascular risk
• Why ketone levels don't tell the whole story
• Raising ketones without sacrificing energy or muscle
• Carbohydrate intake and metabolic flexibility
• Fasting, protein, and thyroid considerations
• MCT oil, exogenous ketones, and other strategies to increase ketosis

One of the biggest takeaways: context matters. Whether you're evaluating cholesterol, ketone levels, or cardiovascular risk, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer. Understanding your goals, metabolic health, and individual response is often more important than chasing a specific number.

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #CardiovascularHealth

Expert Featured:

Bret Scher

• https://www.metabolicmind.org/team/bret-scher-md/
• https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/

Experts Mentioned:

Dave Feldman

• https://www.instagram.com/realdavefeldman/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-feldman/

Resources Mentioned:

Papers

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40192608/ (REDACTED)

Free CME Clinician Trainings:

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Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:

https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt

Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.

Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/

About us:

Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.

Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.