113: Does High Cholesterol Cause Heart Attacks?

Simple, Healthy Choices for Weight Loss

In this episode, Dr. Steve tackles a question that has puzzled the medical world for decades: Does high cholesterol really cause heart attacks? He dives into the origins of this long-standing belief, revealing how one flawed hypothesis shaped dietary recommendations for generations. He also uncovers what the research truly shows about cholesterol, triglycerides, and heart health. Packed with eye-opening insights, this episode challenges the mainstream narrative and offers practical advice for improving your health through smarter food choices.

[00:01 - 04:44] The Origins of the Cholesterol Myth

Ancel Keys’ unproven hypothesis blamed high cholesterol for heart disease.

Early studies showed HDL cholesterol is cardioprotective, but this was ignored.

Organizations like the NIH embraced the low-fat narrative despite conflicting evidence.

The low-fat diet trend gained traction without solid scientific backing.

[04:45 - 11:31] The Truth About Cholesterol and Triglycerides

HDL cholesterol is protective, while high triglycerides are linked to heart disease.

Total cholesterol is not a reliable indicator of cardiovascular risk.

Studies from the 1960s and 1970s consistently revealed triglycerides as a more significant factor than cholesterol.

Elevated triglycerides are often tied to high carbohydrate consumption.

High insulin, glucose, and inflammation—driven by carbs—fuel chronic illnesses

[11:32 - 16:22] The Role of Diet in Heart Health

High-fat diets raise HDL levels, improving heart health.

Low-fat diets lead to increased carbohydrate intake, which raises triglycerides.

Healthy fats from animal sources are better than processed seed oils.

Reducing carbohydrate intake is key to lowering triglycerides and improving overall health.

[16:23 - 20:13] Misinformation in Health Guidelines

Food and drug companies heavily influenced public dietary guidelines.

The low-fat, high-carb narrative was perpetuated for financial gain.

Misguided advice for diabetics to consume more carbohydrates worsens their health.

Studies highlighting the benefits of high-fat diets were ignored or diluted.

[19:11 - 20:13] Closing Segment

High-carb, low-fat diets harm health and worsen diabetes.High-carb intake with insulin leads to dangerous “double diabetes.”Reducing carbs lowers insulin needs, boosts heart health, and controls diabetes.High triglycerides, not cholesterol, drive heart disease—low-carb, high-fat diets protect.

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Tweetable Quotes:

“Studies showed that high HDL cholesterol was actually cardioprotective and high triglycerides was associated with cardiovascular disease.” - Dr. Steve Hughlett

“No study has ever been shown that high LDL cholesterol cause cardiovascular disease.” - Dr. Steve Hughlett

“Almost all the organ damage and all the disease that we have in our bodies is based on three pillars. That's high insulin levels, that's inflammation of the body, and that's high glucose.” - Dr. Steve Hughlett