Popular foods that can lead to a heart attack, according to science

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 365,000 in 2018 – more than all types of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined – according to the American Heart Association. While some people may be more susceptible to heart disease than others due to their genetics, there are countless modifiable factors that can help lower your risk of heart attack in the future, including changing your diet now. . If you want to lower your risk of a heart attack, now is the time to remove these foods from your meal plan as soon as possible. And if you want to get your diet back on track in no time, check out the 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

While it’s probably not surprising that fried foods, from fried chicken to French fries, aren’t exactly friends for your waistline, it may surprise you how bad they are for your heart. According to a 2014 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consumption of fried foods was significantly associated with the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), a common risk factor for heart attack. Among study subjects who ate fried foods four to six times a week, the risk of coronary artery disease increased 23% compared to those who ate fried foods less than once a week.

And if you want to lower your risk of heart attack, check out these 20 Foods That Can Help Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease.

Soda is undeniably bad for your teeth and stomach, but you might not realize how much damage it can cause your heart. A 2019 study published in the journal Circulation found that consuming two or more sugary sodas per day increased the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 21%.

And if you want to know just how bad your drink of choice really is, check out the 108 most popular sodas ranked by degree of toxicity.

You might want to think twice the next time you consider making a casserole of eggs for breakfast. A 2019 study published in JAMA reveals that, among a group of 29,615 adults included in six cohort studies, “each additional half an egg consumed per day was significantly associated with a higher risk of [heart disease]. “

RELATED: For more information on healthy eating delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

If you want to protect your heart, limiting your intake of red meat is a good place to start. A 2020 BMJ A study that followed 43,272 adult men without cardiovascular disease at the start of the study over a 30-year period found that consuming one serving of any type of red meat per day was associated with a 12% increase in risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you want to add healthier protein to your diet, start with the 35 Best Vegan Protein Sources to Help You Squeeze Your Cravings and Feel Full.

Processed meat, like bacon, can be a treat for your taste buds, but it could cause serious damage to your heart.

A 2020 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that among 29,682 adults, those who ate processed meat twice a week – with a serving consisting of two slices of bacon, two small sausages, or a single hot dog – the risk of heart attack was up to 7% higher than in those who did not consume processed meat. Looking for healthier ways to increase your protein intake? Check out the 35 best high protein snacks at the supermarket.