Western diet and heart risk
Previous studies have shown that a Western-style diet, rich in meat and dairy foods, increases the risk of heart disease. A large study in 52 countries confirms that a poor diet accounts for 30 per cent of heart attack risk. Results showed that diets high in meat, dairy and salt increased the risk, while a higher fruit and vegetable intake lowered it. This study confirms that changing your diet can help reduce the risk of having a heart attack.
Iqbal et al., 2008. Dietary patterns and the risk of acute myocardial infarction in 52 countries: results of the INTERHEART study. Circulation. 118 (19) 1929-1937.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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