01 Jun 2018 --- Vegetarian, especially vegan, diets are linked to better cardiovascular health, according to a new review published in the journal Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases. Around the globe, cardiovascular disease is responsible for 46 percent of non-communicable disease deaths, or 17.5 million deaths a year, making it the leading cause of death. But according to the researchers, this study proves it doesn't have to be.