From hot dogs to heart failure

A large study examined the eating and health behaviors of over 37,000 middle-aged men for approximately 12 years. Over that period, the individuals who ate the highest quantities of processed meats—75 grams a day or more—were twice as likely to die from heart failure and had a 29% greater chance of developing the condition than those who consumed 25 grams or less daily. (An average serving of 2 ounces of roast beef deli meat equals about 57 grams.) However, no such difference was noted when comparing the heart failure rates of the highest and lowest consumers of unprocessed red meats (such as beef, pork, and hamburger).
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Source matters. Subscribe to HarvardHealthOnline+ FREE for 30 days for unlimited access to the site – where all content is reviewed by an HMS physician or faculty expert.
With HHO+ you get these exclusive benefits:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
SPECIAL OFFER! UNLOCK EXPERT ACCESS for 30 days FREE!
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.