Research Library

A Low-Carbohydrate Diet in Overweight Patients Undergoing Stable Statin Therapy Raises High-Density Lipoprotein and Lowers Triglycerides Substantially

Gann, D., "A Low-Carbohydrate Diet in Overweight Patients Undergoing Stable Statin Therapy Raises High-Density Lipoprotein and Lowers Triglycerides Substantially," Clinical Cardiology, 27(10), 2004, pages 563-4.

The following information is available at Pub Med and was not written by Atkins professionals.

BACKGROUND: A low-carbohydrate diet remains controversial, especially in patients with arteriosclerotic heart disease.

HYPOTHESIS: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on the lipid levels in obese patients with known arteriosclerotic heart disease on chronic statin therapy.

METHODS: Thirty-eight overweight patients with angiographically documented arteriosclerotic heart disease were followed in a private cardiology practice setting. All patients were undergoing stable statin therapy. Patients received a 15-min consultation and a 4-page pamphlet explaining a low-carbohydrate diet; no other diet instruction was given. Patients were followed weekly for 2 weeks, then monthly for 3 months, then every third month. A fasting finger stick lipid panel (cholesterol, high-density and low-density lipoprotein [HDL/ LDL], triglycerides, and glucose) was obtained with each visit and patients were weighed in street clothes.

RESULTS: The 38 patients were followed for a average of 11.8 months (range 6-22 months). Average body mass index declined from 33.5 kg/m2 before to 27.9 kg/m2 at the end of the study. Weight loss averaged 31 lbs (range 16-107 lbs). Triglyceride levels were lowered by 29.5%, HDL raised by 17.6%, and cholesterol decreased by 8.4%. The cholesterol/ HDL ratio changed from 5.31 to 3.78 and LDL cholesterol decreased by 5%.

CONCLUSION: The addition of a low-carbohydrate diet for overweight patients with known coronary artery disease undergoing stable statin therapy causes significant weight loss and a favorable change in the lipid panel.

The following was written by Atkins professionals.


Overweight and obese patients with coronary artery disease were counseled to consume no more than 20 grams of carbohydrate for a minimum of two weeks and than gradually increase carbohydrates which they did for an average time of 12 months. Weight loss was greatest in the first three months, and favorable changes were seen in total cholesterol levels, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and the cholesterol/HDL ratio. Medications used by participants to treat hypertension and diabetes were either reduced or discontinued as a result of these weight and lipid improvements. This suggests that a low carbohydrate approach to eating can be achieved and maintained with favorable health changes and no adverse effects.