Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Summary: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) is the biggest killer and responsible for 31% of overall deaths worldwide[1].

Multiple clinical studies have pointed out that consuming animal products significantly increases the risk of deaths due to CVD [2,3]. Advertisement Cardio Vascular Diseases Explained CardioVascular diseases refer to diseases related to heart, vascular diseases of the brain and blood vessels [4]. These diseases are usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries and due to the narrowing of the arteries, the heart muscles could not get enough oxygen-rich blood, leading to permanent damage [5]. Furthermore, if the fatty material breaks away in the arteries, it could cause a blood clot. Blockage of a coronary artery due to a blood clot by cutting off oxygen-rich blood supply could lead to a heart attack. Similarly, when an artery carrying blood to the brain is blocked by a clot, it could lead to a stroke. Some of the risk factors for CVD include tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity [1]. Common types of CVD include strokes, coronary heart diseases, aortic disease and peripheral arterial disease [2]. Several studies have pointed out a correlation between high meat and dairy products consumption and an increased risk of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases [4]. An extensive study carried over a period of 22 years with more than 120,000 participants concluded the following [2,3]. One 85g serving of red meat a day (equivalent to the size of a deck of cards) was associated with a: 0 % Increased risk of early death 0 % Increased risk of death from Cancer 0 % Increased risk of death from CVD One serving of processed meat (one hot dog or two slices of bacon) a day was associated with a 0 % Increased risk of early death 0 % Increased risk of death from Cancer 0 % Increased risk of death from CVD The below graphs shows the mortality rate from CVD across the globe. Source: CVD Mortality rates, Global Atlas on CVD -2011, WHO Advertisement Causes

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Causes of Cardiovascular Diseases Although there are many reasons for CVD diseases like smoking, ethnic background, sex, age and family history, we’ll be focussing only on the causes of these diseases due to dietary patterns. Carnitine The link between red meat consumption and heart diseases could also be explained by studying a compound referred to as carnitine, found abundantly in red meat. It is known that certain gut bacteria in our digestive system use carnitine as an energy source, breaks it down and produces a waste material called trimethylamine [13]. This is then converted to trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) that is known to alter cholesterol metabolism in the gut, liver and artery walls thereby increasing overall cholesterol levels in the body as well as decreasing the removal of cholesterol from artery walls [13]. The above process has been linked to atherosclerosis and increases the risk of CVD [13,15]. Scientists estimate that discontinuation of dietary red meat reduces plasma TMAO within 4 weeks [14] Saturated & Trans Fats Food containing high saturated and trans-fats can increase total blood cholesterol/lipids, specifically LDL (the bad one). Higher total and LDL cholesterol levels are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease [8]. Animal protein/fats found in full-fat dairy products like whole milk, butter, cream, ghee and cheese or in meat products does not itself cause heart disease, but the saturated fat content in it does. A prospective study done by Oxford vegetarian group in the UK with more than 11,000 participants found that Vegans have the lowest cholesterol levels [11]. A group of 17 different studies included in a Cochrane systematic review with over 59,000 participants found out that cutting down on saturated fats led to a 17% reduction in risk of CVD [12]. Advertisement High Salt Intake A journal published after gathering results of 13 different studies with more than 170,000 participants concluded that high salt intake is associated with significantly increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases [8]. High salt consumption is linked to hypertension or high blood pressure which affects more than a billion people worldwide and is responsible for cardiovascular diseases [7,8]. Scientists claim that there is more salt in animal tissues such as meat, blood and milk than in plant tissues [9]. Processed foods also have a very high sodium content and it’s estimated that 75% of daily sodium intake comes from salt found in processed foods [9]. Haem Iron Haem iron, found in red and processed meat, is linked to a higher risk of Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) by as much as 57%, a study indicates [16,17]. Haem iron absorption in the body is much higher than non-haem (37% vs 5%). As a result, it may contribute as a catalyst in increasing the level of harmful cholesterols in the body which can cause tissue-damaging inflammation, a potential risk for development of CVD [16]. Other research indicates that diabetic women are at a higher risk of coronary heart diseases due to high intake of haem iron as compared to non-diabetic women [18]. Excess Processed Sugar Intake Consuming a diet high in sugar for just a few weeks has been linked to increase risk of CVD and impacts triglycerides, LDL, oxidized LDL, uric acid, insulin resistance and abnormal glucose tolerance to name few[26]. Products with added sugars, particularly fructose pose the highest concern, even more than products with other sugar such as glucose[26]. Diabetes Diabetes is a major risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have pointed out that 60% of all deaths related to diabetes can be linked to CVD [6]. For more info on the connection between Diabetes and Cardiovascular diseases, please refer to the article on Diabetes. Advertisement Facts Conclusions