Iron increases heart disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) has afflicted man throughout history. Diet and hereditary factors obviously are the key components in developing this condition. Foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats are often implicated in hastening or aggravating heart disease. Many disease states such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension have also been shown to increase a persons chances for CAD. Heart disease usually affects persons over age 60, but can be seen in people who are much younger …

…disease. In regard to the above information, the research concludes that it is unlikely that high serum iron or transferrin is the direct cause of CAD. It may be likely though that having a high iron intake may indirectly effect the progression of heart disease by influencing oxidation of cholesterol and lipoproteins. No research concluded that the lower incidence of heart disease in women is based in-part by lower serum iron levels due to menses.