Acute effects of β-hydroxybutyrate on left ventricular function in young, healthy adults

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study gave oral ketone ester or placebo to young healthy volunteers, with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and every 15 minutes for 60 minutes. Circulating beta-hydroxybutyrate rose rapidly after ketone ingestion but not after placebo. Cardiac output increased by an average of 1 L/min after 60 minutes with ketone ester, driven primarily by an increase in heart rate with only a modest increase in stroke volume. Changes in left ventricular strain and twist mechanics were limited.