Lucknow: Cardiologists have warned heart patients against blindly following popular diet trends such as ketogenic (keto) diets, intermittent fasting and high-protein regimens promoted on social media.
Similar patterns have also been reported at SGPGIMS and RMLIMS.
On the eve of World Heart Day, doctors said such restrictive eating patterns, though often marketed as quick solutions for weight loss, can be unsuitable and even risky for individuals recovering from heart disease. Self-directed dietary restrictions have become increasingly common, particularly among urban patients, according to Prof Pravesh Vishwakarma of KGMU. “Heart patients should not abruptly switch to a restrictive diet without consulting a cardiologist and nutrition expert,” Vishwakarma said.
Experts at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) and Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) have observed a growing tendency among cardiac patients to seek dietary guidance from social media influencers, internet videos and gym trainers rather than qualified healthcare professionals. He estimated that nearly half of the heart patients visiting the OPD follow some form of restrictive diet without medical supervision. Doctors emphasised that while diets such as keto and intermittent fasting may help some people lose weight, they are not universally safe for heart patients. Experts stressed that nutritional needs vary from person to person depending on age, medical condition, medications and overall health status. He added that excessively restrictive eating plans can reduce energy levels, making it difficult for patients to participate in exercise programmes and cardiac rehabilitation, both of which are essential for recovery after a heart attack. Kapoor noted that patients with advanced heart failure, unstable cardiac conditions, significant kidney disease or diabetes should avoid such diets unless they are under strict medical supervision. He also cautioned against rapid weight-loss strategies after a cardiac event, saying severe calorie restriction can result in muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic complications.