Western diet ups heart attack risk

A recent US study has revealed that the typical western diet is responsible for a considerable number of heart attacks in the world.

According to the study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, following a western diet rich in fat, salt and meat accounts for about 35 percent of heart attacks.

The study reported that a salt-rich diet places individuals at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular events by increasing blood pressure and harmful lipid levels.

Findings revealed that an Oriental diet which is high in tofu and salty soy sauce does not influence the risk of developing heart problems.

Scientists concluded that regardless of which region one resides in, the higher the regular intake of fried and salty foods is, the greater the risk of heart attack.

They urged individuals to adopt a healthy diet high in fruit and vegetables to reduce the global heart attack risk.