email article
The same ketones involved in diabetic ketoacidosis could have a protective role in cardiovascular disease (CVD), animal and human studies suggested.
Emerging evidence points to several cardiovascular benefits to these metabolites, according to B. Daan Westenbrink, MD, PhD, of University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands, and colleagues:
Fuel for cardiac energetics: ketones act as ancillary fuel for the failing heart given that they require less oxygen per molecule of ATP generated
Pleiotropic effects on other cellular processes: ketones are linked to improved endothelial function, protection from oxidative stress, direct targeting of inflammation, and slowdown of pathological cardiac remodeling
There is growing evidence that ketone bodies may be beneficial to heart disease patients regardless of the method of delivery used to increase ketone delivery to the heart. A Journal of the American College of Cardiology review paper examines emerging evidence regarding ketone bodies effects on the heart and the potential for ketone therapy as a cardiovascular intervention in heart disease patients.