I too, don’t think the carbs caused my heart attack. It was the high saturated fats that did it. Atkins type of diet is not for everyone, especially the older you get. If I had been in my 30′s and very active, it would probably have caused no adverse problems, only lost weight. I feel the “one diet fits all” does not take in to account the differences between the sexes, body types, medical history, and how we change with age. Recently, there have been a couple University studies that have found dieters on the Atkins type diet benefited best in weight loss and improved cholesterol and blood pressure. But, I didn’t read any disclaimers about who it was best for, or who it was not. I think more emphases has to be on developing diet plans that are tailored for individual types and ages, and not just blanket diet statements and plans. Jimmy, whats you feeling on this?

p.s. I’m a 59 year old male, not female as you thought, I’m little over 5’8″ and now weight 150.

I’m assuming you’re a woman based on your weight. Looking at your numbers, they look pretty good after 9 months, although your fat must not have been very high since your HDL never rose above 50. For women, HDL tends to go higher–a good thing!

Based on that low “good” cholesterol, I would assume your lipid profile particle size is a mixed bag. When your LDL particle size is comprised of the small, dense kind, then you put yourself at greater risk for a cardiovascular event. While you may have some of the large, fluffy protective LDL particle size, it was likely you also had a good amount of middle range and small.

Again I’m sorry for your heart attack and wish you well as you recover. But this had nothing at all to do with your low-carb diet. Thanks for your comment.

Started diet at Age 57, weight 186 (highest ever), total cholesterol 207, triglycerides 149, HDL 41, and LDL 136. Blood pressure between high normal and pre-hypertension.

Lost 23lbs in 9 months, with total cholesterol 182, triglycerides 79, HDL 46, LDL 120. Sounded pretty good to me!

3 months later, still on low carb diet, had lost additional 4 lbs, and feeling real good…then I had a heart attack. They placed 2 stents in 2 blocked arteries, also the main coronary artery is 40% blocked and I’m looking at bypass surgery in the future.

Now I’m on a full regiment of drugs. Lost additional 10 lbs, and stayed on low carb, but now also low fat. With the drugs, total cholesterol 110, triglycerides 50, HDL 44, LDL 57. Blood pressure is now very very low.

Ok, what happened?