A leading heart doctor has warned that looking ‘shredded’ on the outside doesn’t guarantee good health after treating young, fit patients who suffered heart attacks in their 30s.

US-based cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov shared the stark warning on Instagram about a young man he treated recently.

‘He looks like a statue. Shredded. Vascular. Peak performance. But I’ve seen what’s inside those vessels – and it’s not pretty,’ he said.

According to Dr Yaranov, years of extreme ‘high protein’ fads – like the carnivore diet, which cuts out most plant foods in favour of meat, eggs, and animal products – can wreak havoc on the cardiovascular system.

‘Sky-high LDL, endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, premature atherosclerosis,’ he wrote.

In simple terms, that means bad cholesterol soaring to dangerous levels, damage to the lining of blood vessels, ongoing irritation inside the body, and the early development of fatty plaques that clog arteries.

‘The body outside looks like a machine. But the inside tells a different story,’ he said.

‘I’ve cared for “fit” 35-year-olds with heart attacks. No symptoms. No warning. Just a ticking time bomb.

‘Athletic does not mean healthy. Low body fat does not mean low risk. And a six-pack doesn’t protect you from a plaque rupture.’

But not every health professional agrees with Dr Yaranov’s take.

Dr Troy Badger, a sports cardiologist, claimed he had never treated a seemingly healthy person who fit that profile.

‘As a high-volume interventional cardiologist I haven’t had one patient in their 30s who fit that clinical profile – fit and on carnivore,’ he argued.

‘Every single male in their 30s with an MI (myocardial infarction) I’ve taken care of fit the classic picture of an obese diabetic with uncontrolled high blood pressure or cholesterol.’

He said that even then it’s still ‘pretty rare’, though added ‘it does feel like it’s getting more common’.

‘I do agree that fit doesn’t equal healthy … (and) I agree that carnivore is likely putting people at higher risk long term but it’s unlikely to affect a 30-40 year old to that extent,’ he said.

‘And it’s important to clarify that high protein diets are not always the same thing as keto or carnivore.’

Why do carnivore diets raise red flags?

Nutrition experts in Australia say they’ve seen a surge of interest in the so-called carnivore diet, with advocates on social media claiming it cures everything from bloating to autoimmune conditions.

But dietitians warn it comes with serious downsides.

Cairns-based dietitians at Health Management Dietitians wrote in a blog that cutting out all plant foods ‘may lead to short-term improvements’, but the risks build up over time.

Among the biggest concerns:

• No fibre: Fibre is essential for digestion and gut health. Without it, constipation and other digestive issues are common.
• Missing vitamins and antioxidants: Important nutrients like Vitamin C and polyphenols are mostly found in fruit and vegetables. Removing these foods can lead to deficiencies.
• High cholesterol: Diets heavy in saturated fats (like fatty cuts of meat, butter, cheese) raise LDL cholesterol – the ‘bad’ cholesterol strongly linked to heart disease.
• Cravings: Cutting out carbs entirely often leads to rebound cravings for sugary foods.

The Heart Foundation’s advice

The Heart Foundation reminds Australians that protein is vital for health, but not all protein sources have the same effect on the heart.

The best options include plant-based proteins like beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, nuts and seeds, all of which are linked to lower heart disease risk.

Fish and seafood are another strong choice, thanks to omega-3 fats that help protect the heart when eaten regularly.

Chicken and eggs are considered ‘neutral’ – they don’t increase risk when eaten as part of a balanced diet – while lean red meat should be eaten in moderation.

Processed meats like bacon, ham, salami and sausages, however, are not part of a heart-healthy pattern and should be avoided.

The Foundation suggests simple swaps to cut risk.

Try roast chicken, tinned tuna or eggs instead of ham in sandwiches; swap sausages for homemade veggie patties or falafels; and add legumes to meals for extra fibre and nutrients.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, and experts warn that appearances can be deceiving.

A fit body with visible muscles does not guarantee clear arteries or a healthy heart.

What matters most is long-term balance: a diet that includes plants, whole grains, lean proteins and moderation when it comes to red and processed meats.