So, even if this was true, the plural of anecdote is not data. His heart disease could have been the result of genetic factors or a number of other factors not related to his diet. There is also no guaranty he was taking his own advice. Dr. Atkins had one heart attack and it was caused by an infection. The thing that killed him was traumatic brain injury as the result of a fall.
> A medical report issued by the New York medical examiner's office a year after his death showed that Atkins had a history of heart attack, congestive heart failure and hypertension.[10][12] His widow refused to allow an autopsy
My point was mainly that there have been out-of-the-mainstream doctors advocating for this diet for 3 decades. They continue to be out-of-the-mainstream.