High levels of iron may increase the risk of heart attacks

"Serum Ferritin and Risk of Myocardial Infarction in the Elderly: the Rotterdam Study," by Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, Johan F. Koster, Diederick E. Grobbee, Jan Lindemans, Heiner Boeing, Albert Hofman, and Jacqueline C. M. Witteman.

High levels of serum ferritin, a measure of bodily stores of iron, are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks in elderly people with other cardiovascular risk factors, according to a new case-control study. Eating iron-containing foods such as red meat can increase serum ferritin levels.

For more information contact Dr. Witteman at witteman@epib.fgg.eur.nl.