Scientists confirm links between red meat and heart disease

An observational study in nearly 20,000 individuals has found that greater intake of red and processed meat is associated with worse heart function. The research is presented at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2021, an online scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Report informs citing MedicalExpress that individuals with higher meat intake had smaller ventricles, poorer heart function, and stiffer arteries—all markers of worse cardiovascular health.

Meanwhile, oil fish improves heart function and makes arteries stretchier.

The associations between imaging measures of heart health and meat intake were only partially explained by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.