A vegan diet can provide many health benefits. Jack Norris, Registered Dietitian and Executive Director of Vegan Outreach cites studies that demonstrate that vegans have:

• 3/4–1/2 lower rates of high blood pressure (1, 2) 
• 2/3 lower risk of type-2 diabetes (3) 
• 15–20% lower risk of cancer (4, 5)  
• Significantly lower cholesterol levels (6)  

These benefits all contribute to decreased heart disease. Jack provides a detailed review of these studies here.