Mixed

Adhering to a low-carbohydrate diet (defined as the lowest quartile of carbohydrate intake, <42.7% of energy) is associated with a significantly higher risk of developing incident atrial fibrillation compared to higher carbohydrate intake, regardless of whether the replaced carbohydrates are substituted with animal or plant-based fats and proteins.

If you follow a low-carbohydrate diet, be aware that long-term adherence may be associated with a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm). This risk appears to exist regardless of whether you replace carbohydrates with animal or plant-based foods. If you have risk factors for heart disease or AF, consider discussing your carbohydrate intake with a healthcare provider to balance weight management goals with cardiac rhythm health.