A research presented at an online scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) found that greater intake of red and processed meat is associated with worse heart function.

Red meat linked to worse health

The study included nearly 20,000 participants of the UK Biobank, sciencedaily.com reported.

“Previous studies have shown links between greater red meat consumption and increased risk of heart attacks or dying from heart disease,” said study author Dr. Zahra Raisi-Estabragh.

As a result, the study helped to understand the mechanisms underlying the observed connections with cardiovascular disease.

The researchers examined associations of self-reported intake of red and processed meat with heart anatomy and function.

Three types of heart measures were chosen for analysis – cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) assessments of heart function, novel CMR radiomics and elasticity of the blood vessels.

Other factors that might have impact on relationship including age, sex, deprivation, education, smoking, alcohol, exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and body mass index (BMI) were also taken into account.

As a result, the study helped to understand the mechanisms underlying the observed connections with cardiovascular disease.

Results of the observational study

The researchers found that individuals with higher meat intake had all markers of worse cardiovascular health – stiffer arteries, smaller ventricles, and poorer heart function. The relationships between heart imaging measures and intake of oily fish were also analysed. The study showed that heart function improved with the increase in the amount of oily fish eaten.

As a result, such factors as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity could be the reason for the observed relationship between meat and heart disease. The study did not look into alternative mechanisms but it showed that these four factors play a significant role in the links between meat intake and heart health.

“This was an observational study and causation cannot be assumed. But in general, it seems sensible to limit intake of red and processed meat for heart health reasons,” Dr. Raisi-Estabragh pointed out.

Read also:

• Check your heart health in 1 minute
• Sleeping naked improves your health and fertility
• Are you heading for a breakup? The words you use give it away
• Happy people live longer, research suggests