I agree with you on the heart aspects of vegetarian eating. I turned lacto-vegetarian several years ago to mitigate a number of health problems I was having because of the typical American diet. I was able to get rid of 5 medications because of it that were making me feel absolutely horrible.
But in the process, I really came to appreciate the "heart" aspect as well. Not having to live off the squalid living conditions of farmed animals and their eventual slaughter 3 times a day makes me feel fabulous, and I only wish I made the switch a long time ago. And it's a win-win since my health has obviously improved dramatically.