Does LDL cause HEART DISEASE? With Ivor Cummins

PS

Paul Saladino1h 57m · 2020-01-28

Claims Made

214

Claims Supported

144

Support Rate

67%

Support rate

144 of 214 claims supported

144 supported70 partial / not

Claims from this content

173

Well SupportedInsulin resistance makes LDL 'stickier,' increasing cardiac risk, while individuals who are insulin sensitive show no increase in cardiac risk with higher LDL levels.Well SupportedWhen Framingham data is not stratified by metrics associated with insulin resistance, LDL cholesterol shows a linear correlation with cardiovascular disease incidence.Well SupportedRestricting methionine for longevity is unnecessary; providing sufficient glycine is an alternative approach.Well SupportedPasture-raised egg yolks, animal fats (butter, tallow, ghee), and the fat in grass-fed steak contain significant amounts of utilizable omega-3 fatty acids.

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A. Volkovreader

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Bookmarking — the dossier-vs-overview split is the right call. Most of the time I want overview; sometimes I want receipts.

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Would love a "what would change this verdict" RSS feed. Sign me up if it exists.

Well Supported

Atherosclerosis does not develop in veins, suggesting that endothelial damage is necessary for its initiation.

Well SupportedBlood work on individuals following a carnivore diet typically shows normal results, with improvements in most markers except for LDL cholesterol.

Well SupportedHypertension is primarily caused by insulin resistance unless a secondary cause is identified.

Partially SupportedFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition caused by over 2,000 polymorphisms affecting LDL receptors or other pathways, leading to very high serum LDL.

Well SupportedGrass-fed, grass-finished ruminant meat contains less than 2% linoleic acid.

Well SupportedTo accurately measure hs-CRP, it should be done first thing in the morning, in a fasting state, without strenuous exercise the night before or the morning of.

Well SupportedDecreasing linoleic acid in cooking oils significantly reduces fasting insulin levels, indicating improved insulin sensitivity.

Well SupportedThe primary targets for cardiovascular health should be insulin resistance and the subsequent susceptibility of LDL to oxidation, rather than LDL-C itself.

Well SupportedInsulin resistance is a major confounding factor in understanding health outcomes, particularly for individuals with the APOE4 genotype.

Well SupportedElevated GGT can indicate environmental toxins or oxidative stress and should be added to a comprehensive metabolic panel.

Well SupportedHypertension is not treated as an insulin-resistant process despite insulin resistance and hypertension being known as correctable since 1990.

Well SupportedDecreasing saturated fat intake and increasing polyunsaturated fat intake may lead to a decrease in LDL cholesterol but an increase in oxidized LDL and Lp(a).

Well SupportedOmega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid, appear to be problematic for human health.

Well SupportedA 1990s Harvard study indicated a 16-fold risk difference in cardiovascular disease between the highest and lowest quartiles of the triglyceride/HDL ratio.

Well SupportedVeins transplanted into arterial circulation rapidly develop atherosclerosis.

Partially SupportedIn a low insulin state, adipocytes release palmitate, signaling muscle to refuse glucose and spare it for the brain, testes, and kidneys, utilizing ketones instead.

Well SupportedLDL's atherogenic property stems from its role in trafficking cholesterol into the artery wall where it can be retained and oxidized, leading to atherosclerosis.

Not SupportedThere is insufficient solid data directly indicting LDL and apob-containing particles as the cause of endothelial injury leading to atherosclerosis.

Not SupportedPhysicians' belief that LDL causes atherosclerosis is a grave oversight, and eliminating LDL could lead to severe consequences.

Partially SupportedThe benefits of omega-3s may stem from their ability to rebalance omega-6 levels, as high omega-6 intake can inhibit omega-3 production.

Well SupportedThe triglyceride to HDL ratio is a critical predictor of cardiovascular disease and a better indicator of insulin sensitivity than LDL levels.

Well SupportedA kidney supplement from Ancestral Supplements, containing DAO, can be helpful for individuals with histamine issues.

Well SupportedCoronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring is a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular risk and tracking disease progression or regression.

Partially SupportedLDL may serve as a protective repository for oxidized phospholipids, and Lp(a) might function as a sacrificial component of this system.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino's LDL cholesterol was 130 and ApoB under 100 in December.

Well SupportedFerritin levels above 200 are commonly observed and plateau in individuals on strict carnivore diets consuming liver and spleen, without indicating a dangerous scenario.

Well SupportedThe speaker's LDL cholesterol is lower now than when on a ketogenic diet or earlier in their carnivore journey due to the addition of carbohydrates.

Not SupportedHigh doses of omega-3 supplementation (e.g., 3 grams) are likely unnecessary for individuals on a low linoleic acid diet.

Partially SupportedCanola oil contains 1.9% to 3.6% trans fatty acids, which differ from those in animal foods.

Partially SupportedGrass-fed animal fat in capsules (tallow) can increase fat intake and improve the solubility of fat-soluble vitamins.

Partially SupportedIn a low-carbohydrate diet, muscle cells perform glucose sparing by utilizing free fatty acids instead of glucose.

Partially SupportedReducing polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and increasing saturated fat intake can lead to lower LDL levels.

Not SupportedExcessive intake of polyunsaturated fats, particularly linoleic acid, is associated with increased cancer risk and mortality.

Well SupportedAssessing cardiovascular risk should include ferritin, GGT, hs-CRP, fasting insulin, C-peptide, and proinsulin, in addition to a lipid panel.

Partially SupportedA ketogenic diet can improve cognitive function and insulin resistance in individuals with APOE4 and type 2 diabetes.

Partially SupportedRegenerative agriculture can lead to carbon-negative outcomes and increased soil organic matter.

Well SupportedLDL moves through the endothelium into the intima as a normal process to deliver substances and then moves back out.

Well SupportedInternational bodies state up to 5-6 grams daily of EPA and DHA is safe.

Partially SupportedInsulin resistance and resultant hyperinsulinemia are linked to hypertension and can be corrected with dietary changes.

Partially SupportedHypertension and low HDL are indicators of insulin resistance, a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Well SupportedIn metabolically healthy individuals, there is no significant association between LDL levels and cardiovascular disease.

Partially SupportedElevated LDL cholesterol may exacerbate inflammation, insulin resistance, or other conditions causing vascular distress.

Partially SupportedIn individuals with insulin sensitivity, consuming saturated fat from animal sources or coconut is not problematic, even with the APOE4 polymorphism.

Partially SupportedA red blood cell fatty acid panel accurately assesses the percentage of linoleic acid, saturated fatty acid, and omega-3 fatty acid within cells.

Not SupportedThe concept of 'bad cholesterol' is a mischaracterization; information about cholesterol is more accurate.

Partially SupportedThe glycocalyx is damaged at arterial branch points due to turbulence, impairing nitric oxide signaling and vasodilation.

Partially SupportedMonogenetic familial hypercholesterolemia has worse cardiovascular disease outcomes than polygenetic familial hypercholesterolemia at similar ldl levels.

Partially SupportedSome individuals with very high ldl do not have high plaque burdens or increased cardiovascular risk.

Partially SupportedAtherosclerosis regression has been observed in individuals with persistently high LDL.

Partially SupportedHypertension is a valuable marker for insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedIn individuals with FH who develop heart disease, LDL levels do not differ from those who do not develop heart disease.

Well SupportedIndividuals in the Kitav or Semane populations may have LDL particle counts equal to or higher than Americans but exhibit no heart disease.

Partially SupportedIf the endothelium and arteries are healthy, LDL becomes irrelevant to cardiovascular disease risk.

Partially SupportedA lipid panel with LDL around 150 mg/dL and a triglyceride to HDL ratio of 2.5 was considered elevated.

Partially SupportedThere is evidence linking vegetable oils and refined carbohydrates to health problems.

Well SupportedA triglyceride to HDL ratio less than 1.5 is a strong indicator of good metabolic health.

Well SupportedEating very well, fasting more than usual, and having clean dinners can lead to weight loss.

Partially SupportedA calcium score is a powerful tool to identify individuals with significant cardiovascular disease who may be unaware.

Well SupportedCoronary artery calcification scores can be regressed, with documented cases of individuals achieving zero scores.

Partially SupportedHigh blood pressure is a six to eight times greater risk multiplier for early heart attack compared to high LDL levels.

Partially SupportedLDL levels in isolation provide little information; context is crucial for interpreting lipid numbers.

Partially SupportedSwitching to a low-carb diet resulted in improved GGT, ferritin, and cholesterol profiles (including triglycerides) within nine weeks, despite a slight increase in LDL.

Partially SupportedSerum ferritin levels in middle-aged men have increased over the last 30 years.

Not SupportedExcessive omega-3 supplementation may lead to membrane over-oxidation, potentially consuming vitamin C.

Partially SupportedLinoleic acid is essential for the development of experimentally induced alcoholic liver injury in a rat model.

Partially SupportedThe essential threshold for linoleic acid is around 0.5% of the diet, with ancestral diets around 1%.

Partially SupportedA ferritin level above 300 warrants phlebotomy, especially in individuals with genetic predispositions for iron overabsorption.

Partially SupportedIncreasing omega-3 intake slightly above baseline may be beneficial if omega-6 intake is particularly low, but large increases are not recommended.

Well SupportedIn ancestral contexts, APOE4 may have been protective against parasitic and infectious insults and was common throughout human evolution.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino prefers linoleic acid percentage below 18% in red blood cells.

Partially SupportedA healthy endothelium may negate the need to focus on lowering LDL particle levels, especially in populations without widespread insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedLimiting carbohydrates or fat can mitigate insulin resistance when both are consumed in excess.

Partially SupportedIn states of insulin resistance, LDL is enriched with ApoE4, making it stickier, and the intima's proteoglycan layer may become stickier and more retaining of LDL.

Partially SupportedThe glycocalyx can be damaged by blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedIncreasing polyunsaturated fatty acids while decreasing saturated fat increased oxidized LDL and Lp(a) in a study.

Not SupportedPhysicians often focus excessively on the LDL number when interpreting lipid panels.

Partially SupportedA ratio of oxidized LDL to LDL particle number below 0.04 is desirable.

Partially SupportedInflammatory markers like triglyceride to HDL ratio, fasting insulin, C-peptide, hs-CRP, ferritin, GGT, and CAC can be monitored to assess the impact of dietary changes.

Not SupportedGlycine supplementation is not necessary for longevity if sufficient connective tissue is consumed from animal sources.

Partially SupportedTaking palmitoleic acid as a supplement provides anti-diabetic and pro-adiponectin effects without negative consequences of excess carbohydrate intake.

Partially SupportedIn type 1 diabetic mice, LDL retention in the intima was eight times higher than in wild-type mice, suggesting insulin resistance drives retention.

Partially SupportedThe negative association between saturated fat and health in epidemiological studies may be confounded by insulin resistance from other lifestyle behaviors.

Partially SupportedBlood pressure can rapidly decrease within a week or 10 days of dietary changes, prior to significant weight loss.

Limited ResearchThe consumption of refined fats, such as liquid fats used in some Paleo, carnivore, and ketogenic diets, may be problematic.

Not SupportedHigher levels of Lp(a) are generally not considered beneficial.

Partially SupportedThe focal nature of atherosclerosis suggests endothelial compromise rather than uniform LDL concentration.

Partially SupportedBlood work markers like LDL cholesterol must be interpreted in the context of other markers and overall health.

Partially SupportedRadical lifestyle practices include jumping in the ocean, using a sauna, doing handstands, playing with children, and eating high-quality meat.

Partially SupportedThe adventitia theory of atherosclerosis suggests vasa vasorum bring inflammatory products and LDL to all stages of atherosclerosis except the start.

Partially SupportedRatios, such as those for cholesterol, nutrients like methionine and glycine, and omega-3 to omega-6, are more important than single numbers.

Limited ResearchHumans may not require large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, with the ratio to omega-6 being more important.

Partially SupportedSweeteners like erythritol, sorbitol, sugar alcohols, and glycine may negatively trigger incretin hormones.

Partially SupportedA patented omega-3 compound (Compound X) showed a ~28% reduction in cardiac events in a trial.

Partially SupportedThe ideal state for omega-6 and omega-3 is a balance with the smallest amounts necessary, minimizing oxidizable material in cell membranes.

Partially SupportedHypertension is a criterion for metabolic syndrome, which is an indication of insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedHyperinsulinemia with coincident insulin resistance is a pathological problem.

Partially SupportedEating more polyunsaturated fats may offer short-to-medium term metabolic and cardiovascular benefits but has long-term negative implications.

Partially SupportedHigh lifelong LDL cholesterol levels of 350 mg/dL can be present in individuals with zero coronary artery calcium or no heart disease.

Partially SupportedIncreasing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio with supplements is considered due to high omega-6 consumption.

Partially SupportedExcess omega-6 and lack of real foods like pastured egg yolks are problems, not omega-3 deficiency.

Partially SupportedIf LDL rises but overall health improves, it is not a cause for concern.

Partially SupportedOxidized LDL in the bloodstream can damage endothelial cells, causing their death and turnover.

Partially SupportedJunk food, which combines fat and carbohydrates, short-circuits satiety mechanisms, leading to overeating.

Partially SupportedVisceral adipose tissue can be assessed via DEXA scans or MRI.

Partially Supported1 mmol/L LDL or HDL equals approximately 38 mg/dL.

Partially SupportedElevated ferritin levels can occur in individuals with zero coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores and do not always indicate iron overload.

Partially SupportedGGT is not routinely measured in standard American blood work panels.

Partially SupportedMedical guidelines are considering 160 mg/dL of LDL as an automatic threshold for lipid-lowering drugs, with discussions to lower it to 130 mg/dL.

Partially SupportedUnprocessed foods trigger societal hormones better than processed foods.

Partially SupportedA diet of 2,000-2,500 calories may contain a few grams of omega-3, primarily EPA and DHA.

Partially SupportedPalmitoleic acid (omega-7) is a signaling molecule that increases adiponectin and may have beneficial anti-diabetic effects.

Partially SupportedThe response of GIP is potentiated by fat in combination with glucose, leading to even greater insulin spikes.

Partially SupportedThe problematic effects of saturated fat, particularly from dairy, are contextual and depend on the presence of gut dysbiosis, insulin resistance, and metabolic damage.

Partially SupportedFerritin can be elevated by inflammation or insulin resistance, not solely by iron overload.

Partially SupportedAncestral diets suggest an omega-3 intake of approximately 1% of calories or fat.

Not SupportedReducing saturated fat intake while increasing PUFA may be detrimental.

Partially SupportedEating whole plant-based foods can lower GIP and increase GLP-1 and PYY, promoting satiety and anti-diabetic effects.

Partially SupportedSerum ferritin decreased from a high level to the high 200s within 8-9 weeks after making dietary changes.

Partially SupportedDairy fat is likely more problematic than grass-fed animal fat, well-raised pork fat, or fat from sources like White Oak Pastures.

Partially SupportedIndividuals with metabolic issues, high calcium scores, or APOE4 genotype should be more cautious with dietary fat, especially dairy.

Partially SupportedHigh ferritin can indicate insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedLDL may enter the arterial wall from the adventitia layer through the vasa vasorum.

Partially SupportedGenetic polymorphisms for hemochromatosis are less common in individuals of Irish descent compared to the general population.

Partially SupportedA ferritin level of 520 is well above the typical Irish lab reference range (up to 300).

Partially SupportedA low-carb diet of meat, fish, eggs, and non-starchy vegetables, with reduced sweets and dark chocolate, led to reduced hunger and weight loss.

Partially SupportedDrinking a lot of fresh-squeezed orange juice was a significant source of sugar intake and was considered part of the 'five a day' message.

Partially SupportedLow-carb, high-healthy-fat diets or diets of real, unprocessed foods that don't excessively trigger GIP are beneficial for metabolic health.

Partially SupportedSwitching to a low-carb diet resulted in a dramatic decrease in hunger within a few weeks, leading to spontaneous meal skipping and weight loss.

Partially SupportedOver 30 pounds were lost without significant difficulty within 8.5-9 weeks of adopting a low-carb diet and incorporating fasting.

Partially SupportedA traditional diet including whole grains, potatoes, rice, and bread was considered healthy but was high in carbohydrates.

Partially SupportedA study showed that omega-3 supplementation led to decreased vitamin C levels, suggesting vitamin C was consumed to counteract omega-3 overconsumption.

Not SupportedThe mainstream consensus promotes polyunsaturated fats as heart-healthy, despite scientific evidence suggesting otherwise.

Not SupportedSeed oils have been promoted as heart-healthy despite negative human trial data.

Not SupportedDairy fat may be inflammatory and contribute to gut dysbiosis for some individuals.

Partially SupportedGrass-fed animal meat contains small amounts of linoleic acid, and humans require approximately 0.5% of dietary intake for essential fatty acid needs.

Partially SupportedGLP-1 is an anti-diabetic hormone triggered when whole foods move through the digestive system intact, promoting satiety.

Partially SupportedGIP is a hormone released in the upper digestive tract that triggers insulin release in response to glucose and fat.

Not SupportedTraditional hypertension treatment focuses on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause.

Partially SupportedIvor Cummins's 2012 blood tests showed high cholesterol, high serum ferritin, and extremely high GGT.

Not SupportedConsuming orange juice, especially with fat like bacon, can lead to a significant GIP spike and a hyperinsulinemic response.

Not SupportedSoybean oil has negative hormonal and cardiovascular effects.

Partially SupportedAdding fruits and vegetables did not attenuate the increase in oxidized LDL or Lp(a) in a study where saturated fat was decreased and PUFAs increased.

Not SupportedTaking 6 grams or more of omega-3 per day is excessive.

Not SupportedKeto snacks and low-sugar sweets are not ideal because they maintain the habit of snacking and deviate from ancestral, real foods.

Partially SupportedLiquid fats and processed carbohydrates may trigger incretin hormones differently than whole, unprocessed fats.

Partially SupportedKeto snacks may serve as a temporary bridge for individuals transitioning away from highly processed foods, but should not be a long-term habit.

Partially SupportedA carnivore diet is a low linoleic acid diet.

Partially SupportedMost people consume 6-14% of their diet as omega-6 fatty acids.

Partially SupportedNon-processed fats like tallow or suet, which are fat encased in connective tissue, are preferred over rendered or liquid fats like butter, ghee, or liquid tallow.

Partially SupportedCarbohydrate metabolism is the primary driver of metabolic syndrome and associated chronic ailments, and cholesterol measurements are nearly worthless.

Partially SupportedPhysiologic insulin resistance in muscle induced by palmitate signaling on a low-carbohydrate diet is a normal and healthy state.

Partially SupportedDietary fat intake changes can alter plasma levels of oxidized LDL and lipoprotein little a.

Not SupportedConsuming sugars and refined fats that spike GIP excessively can lead to insulin spikes and metabolic dysregulation.

Partially SupportedLinoleic acid intake above 3-4% of the diet is associated with increased cancer rates.

Partially SupportedThe response to retention hypothesis posits that LDL enters the intima from the bloodstream.

Partially SupportedAtheroma are primarily found where vasa vasorum are present, suggesting their role in arterial plaque development.

Partially SupportedFactors like colds, flu, injury, or vigorous exercise can temporarily elevate hs-CRP.

Partially SupportedReducing saturated fat intake and increasing polyunsaturated fat intake led to increased levels of oxidized LDL and Lp(a) in healthy women, regardless of vegetable intake.

Partially SupportedReducing saturated fat and cheese intake may be prudent for individuals with heart disease or high calcium score if inflammatory markers are elevated.

Partially SupportedIn individuals with Familial Hypercholesterolemia, low HDL and hypertension are stronger predictors of early heart attack than higher LDL.

Partially SupportedVasa vasorum, which feed the walls of larger arteries, are crucial for atherosclerosis development.

Partially SupportedDietary changes can decrease hunger, lead to weight loss, and enable skipping meals.

Partially SupportedFerritin does not always indicate iron overload.

Partially SupportedSaturated fat is not inherently problematic when insulin is not spiking, such as in the absence of refined carbohydrates.

Partially SupportedAn hs-CRP level above 0.3-0.5 mg/L suggests an underlying issue.

Limited ResearchHigh doses of polyunsaturated fats may be beneficial up to a threshold, but hyper-charging them raises concerns.

Partially SupportedThe root causes of endothelial compromise include insulin resistance, smoking, and inflammatory drivers.

Partially SupportedIndividuals with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) may be genetically susceptible to heart disease and more sensitive to common root causes of cardiovascular issues.

Partially SupportedVisceral adipose tissue can induce insulin resistance and potentially influence LDL cholesterol levels.