Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in 19148

Photo of Kelly Bay, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CNS, DC
Kelly Bay
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CNS, DC
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals experiencing complex, chronic health concerns such as gut issues, hormone imbalance, autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, food sensitivities, and low energy or poor sleep. They often feel frustrated by vague symptoms or inconclusive conventional testing and want deeper answers. I use a functional, whole-body approach with in-depth assessment and diagnostic testing to identify root causes. Together, we use personalized nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and education to improve symptoms and restore confidence in their health.
My ideal clients are individuals experiencing complex, chronic health concerns such as gut issues, hormone imbalance, autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, food sensitivities, and low energy or poor sleep. They often feel frustrated by vague symptoms or inconclusive conventional testing and want deeper answers. I use a functional, whole-body approach with in-depth assessment and diagnostic testing to identify root causes. Together, we use personalized nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and education to improve symptoms and restore confidence in their health.
(708) 938-3273 View (708) 938-3273

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Maria Seitz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Maria Seitz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialties include: Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Plant Based Diets, Heart Health, Kidney Health, and General Lifestyle and Nutrition.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Specialties include: Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Plant Based Diets, Heart Health, Kidney Health, and General Lifestyle and Nutrition.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
(872) 259-9747 View (872) 259-9747
Photo of Rosemary Couzens, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, CIC
Rosemary Couzens
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, CIC
Yardley, PA 19067
Nutrition is my mission! As a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Intrinsic Coach, I have dedicated over 20 years to helping people achieve their best health. I enjoy helping my clients work through their struggles with weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, thyroid issues, disordered eating and digestive problems. I now offer integrative functional nutrition therapy and nutrigenomix testing to allow us to dig deeper and get to the root cause of your health issues, in addition to alleviating the symptoms.
Nutrition is my mission! As a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Intrinsic Coach, I have dedicated over 20 years to helping people achieve their best health. I enjoy helping my clients work through their struggles with weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, thyroid issues, disordered eating and digestive problems. I now offer integrative functional nutrition therapy and nutrigenomix testing to allow us to dig deeper and get to the root cause of your health issues, in addition to alleviating the symptoms.
(215) 488-7309 View (215) 488-7309
Photo of Brittany Payton, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Brittany Payton
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
(615) 909-4087 View (615) 909-4087
Photo of Kristie L Finnan, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Kristie L Finnan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18902
Looking to improve your health & wellness? Every client is different. Let me help you individualize a plan to meet your needs. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your digestive health (I specialize in the Low FODMAP diet) lower cholesterol or blood sugar, I am happy to help! I also have experience and am passionate about helping athletes eat right for top performance. Food is fuel. Let me help you figure out the best fuel for you! I am a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist in Doylestown, PA (NOTE: I also offer tele-health and phone consults for those too far away) Book appointment online: www.EatRightBucks.com
Looking to improve your health & wellness? Every client is different. Let me help you individualize a plan to meet your needs. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your digestive health (I specialize in the Low FODMAP diet) lower cholesterol or blood sugar, I am happy to help! I also have experience and am passionate about helping athletes eat right for top performance. Food is fuel. Let me help you figure out the best fuel for you! I am a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist in Doylestown, PA (NOTE: I also offer tele-health and phone consults for those too far away) Book appointment online: www.EatRightBucks.com
(267) 573-8057 View (267) 573-8057
Photo of Anna Grumm, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Anna Grumm
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Anna supports clients with weight management, women’s health, PCOS, diabetes, bariatric nutrition, oncology, celiac disease, GI concerns, emotional eating, food allergies, heart health, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, and sports nutrition.
Anna’s ideal clients are individuals looking for practical, personalized support to improve their health through realistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Many come to her feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. She helps clients build sustainable habits through a supportive, collaborative approach that considers the whole person, including nutrition, mental well-being, physical health, and each client’s unique goals.
Anna supports clients with weight management, women’s health, PCOS, diabetes, bariatric nutrition, oncology, celiac disease, GI concerns, emotional eating, food allergies, heart health, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, and sports nutrition.
Anna’s ideal clients are individuals looking for practical, personalized support to improve their health through realistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Many come to her feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. She helps clients build sustainable habits through a supportive, collaborative approach that considers the whole person, including nutrition, mental well-being, physical health, and each client’s unique goals.
(971) 449-1216 View (971) 449-1216
Photo of Barbara Heerkens, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LD
Barbara Heerkens
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LD
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Ideal clients are individuals who spend a significant amount of time worrying about their body, weight, and food choices, often feeling trapped in a cycle of restriction, guilt, and frustration. They may believe they'll never achieve their health goals. These clients are ready to explore the diet cycle, challenge misinformation, and develop mindfulness around their thoughts on food, weight, and health. This process helps quiet the constant “food noise” in their minds and fosters greater self-compassion, freedom, and peace with food.
Ideal clients are individuals who spend a significant amount of time worrying about their body, weight, and food choices, often feeling trapped in a cycle of restriction, guilt, and frustration. They may believe they'll never achieve their health goals. These clients are ready to explore the diet cycle, challenge misinformation, and develop mindfulness around their thoughts on food, weight, and health. This process helps quiet the constant “food noise” in their minds and fosters greater self-compassion, freedom, and peace with food.
(785) 377-5964 View (785) 377-5964
Photo of Karen Miller Aubert, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDE, LDN
Karen Miller Aubert
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDE, LDN
Lansdale, PA 19446
I have successfully helped many clients achieve better health and wellness, in areas such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, weight management, eating disorders, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
I am a registered dietitian/nutritionist & diabetes educator with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individual clients, families and larger groups. I am a provider for most major insurances including(but not limited to) Aetna, Personal Choice, Keystone, Blue Cross, Cigna, Health Partners and Medicare. I am passionate about working with my clients to help them make life-long changes in their eating habits, tailoring it to their individual lifestyle(s), rather than creating "just another diet plan." I offer daytime, evening and Saturday appointments.
I have successfully helped many clients achieve better health and wellness, in areas such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, weight management, eating disorders, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
I am a registered dietitian/nutritionist & diabetes educator with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individual clients, families and larger groups. I am a provider for most major insurances including(but not limited to) Aetna, Personal Choice, Keystone, Blue Cross, Cigna, Health Partners and Medicare. I am passionate about working with my clients to help them make life-long changes in their eating habits, tailoring it to their individual lifestyle(s), rather than creating "just another diet plan." I offer daytime, evening and Saturday appointments.
(215) 372-8479 View (215) 372-8479
Photo of Lisa M Rudi-Davis, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CHC
Lisa M Rudi-Davis
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CHC
Philadelphia, PA 19145
Specializing in nutrition counseling specific for weight management, diabetes, heart disease/high blood pressure, disease prevention, digestive issues, healthy meal planning, food cravings/allergies, and athletic performance.
Personalized nutrition tailored to each clients' unique circumstances with a focus on individual preferences, health history, and goals. You will develop a deeper understanding of the food and lifestyle choices that work best for you and make lasting changes that will improve your energy, balance, and health.
Specializing in nutrition counseling specific for weight management, diabetes, heart disease/high blood pressure, disease prevention, digestive issues, healthy meal planning, food cravings/allergies, and athletic performance.
Personalized nutrition tailored to each clients' unique circumstances with a focus on individual preferences, health history, and goals. You will develop a deeper understanding of the food and lifestyle choices that work best for you and make lasting changes that will improve your energy, balance, and health.
(215) 709-8528 View (215) 709-8528
Photo of June Kuz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CLT, IFNCP
June Kuz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CLT, IFNCP
Serves Area
Are you struggling with chronic health issues like obesity, migraines, fatigue, brain fog, or digestive problems like IBS or fibromyalgia? Have you seen multiple health professionals but still feel unwell? You're not alone, and there is hope. Together, we’ll focus on tailored nutrition, lifestyle changes, and sustainable wellness practices that help you feel better, think clearer, and live pain-free. It’s time to take control of your health. Let's work together to achieve your goals and help you feel your best!
Are you struggling with chronic health issues like obesity, migraines, fatigue, brain fog, or digestive problems like IBS or fibromyalgia? Have you seen multiple health professionals but still feel unwell? You're not alone, and there is hope. Together, we’ll focus on tailored nutrition, lifestyle changes, and sustainable wellness practices that help you feel better, think clearer, and live pain-free. It’s time to take control of your health. Let's work together to achieve your goals and help you feel your best!
(610) 298-1482 View (610) 298-1482
Photo of Manal Qadeer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Manal Qadeer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Manal Qadeer, MS, RD, LDN is a trauma-informed registered dietitian who helps clients heal their relationship with food and their bodies through a compassionate, collaborative approach. With over six years of experience in both nutrition and mental health settings, she specializes in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and the emotional side of nourishment. Manal’s philosophy is grounded in Health at Every Size, All Foods Fit, and the belief that every body is a good body. She creates a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel truly heard, understood, and empowered to move at your own pace tow
Manal Qadeer, MS, RD, LDN is a trauma-informed registered dietitian who helps clients heal their relationship with food and their bodies through a compassionate, collaborative approach. With over six years of experience in both nutrition and mental health settings, she specializes in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and the emotional side of nourishment. Manal’s philosophy is grounded in Health at Every Size, All Foods Fit, and the belief that every body is a good body. She creates a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel truly heard, understood, and empowered to move at your own pace tow
(470) 450-6050 View (470) 450-6050
Photo of Krista Yoder-latortue - Family Food, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, LDN
Family Food, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, LDN
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Family Food is a team of Registered Dietitians providing 1-on-1 nutrition counseling individualized to meet your needs! Our Registered Dietitian will work together with you on evidence-based strategies that will help you reach your goal. Since the nutrition counseling is 1-on-1 with the dietitian, the entire session can be customized to your needs. Popular topics we work with clients on include weight loss and management; health related issues like high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc; general healthy eating; parents concerned about their child's nutritional status; digestion issues; food allergies; and more!
Family Food is a team of Registered Dietitians providing 1-on-1 nutrition counseling individualized to meet your needs! Our Registered Dietitian will work together with you on evidence-based strategies that will help you reach your goal. Since the nutrition counseling is 1-on-1 with the dietitian, the entire session can be customized to your needs. Popular topics we work with clients on include weight loss and management; health related issues like high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc; general healthy eating; parents concerned about their child's nutritional status; digestion issues; food allergies; and more!
(866) 422-7138 View (866) 422-7138
Photo of Leah Frazee, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Leah Frazee
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Newtown, PA 18940
I am Nutrition Therapist specializing in, behavioral eating patterns, eating disorders, diabetes, PCOS/PMOS and overall wellness. I also work with a variety of other medical conditions. I have a refreshing approach to help clients, whether its breaking away from diet culture or needing to makes real sustainable changes to improve your health. I can help implement a non-diet, all food fits, Health at Every Size approach in a non-judgmental, compassionate environment. I will help you establish a healthier relationship with food, body and overall self. I will help you achieve your goals and maintain success throughout your life.
I am Nutrition Therapist specializing in, behavioral eating patterns, eating disorders, diabetes, PCOS/PMOS and overall wellness. I also work with a variety of other medical conditions. I have a refreshing approach to help clients, whether its breaking away from diet culture or needing to makes real sustainable changes to improve your health. I can help implement a non-diet, all food fits, Health at Every Size approach in a non-judgmental, compassionate environment. I will help you establish a healthier relationship with food, body and overall self. I will help you achieve your goals and maintain success throughout your life.
(609) 642-1442 View (609) 642-1442
Photo of Heather Rudalavage, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Heather Rudalavage
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Newtown, PA 18940
Feel out of control around food? Tired of dieting, hate your body, want to lose weight or have medical concerns? Maybe a doctor told you that you need to lose weight or maybe you have just never been happy with your size. If you are frustrated that diets either don't work for you or cause you to cycle between restriction and overeating or you are uncomfortable in your body, I would love to set up a time to chat to see if we would be a good fit! I help clients like you feel good in their skin and improve their relationship with food! Contacting me is the first step in your journey to wellbeing.
Feel out of control around food? Tired of dieting, hate your body, want to lose weight or have medical concerns? Maybe a doctor told you that you need to lose weight or maybe you have just never been happy with your size. If you are frustrated that diets either don't work for you or cause you to cycle between restriction and overeating or you are uncomfortable in your body, I would love to set up a time to chat to see if we would be a good fit! I help clients like you feel good in their skin and improve their relationship with food! Contacting me is the first step in your journey to wellbeing.
(215) 385-5541 View (215) 385-5541
Photo of Maddie McSweeney, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Maddie McSweeney
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Her areas of expertise include sports nutrition, general health and wellness, weight management, disordered eating, intuitive eating, lifestyle counseling, heart health, prediabetes, and diabetes management.
Maddie is a Registered Dietitian dedicated to helping people achieve their goals while feeling inspired and empowered. She is committed to enhancing individuals' quality of life and guiding them toward becoming the best, healthiest version of themselves through diet and lifestyle changes.
Her areas of expertise include sports nutrition, general health and wellness, weight management, disordered eating, intuitive eating, lifestyle counseling, heart health, prediabetes, and diabetes management.
Maddie is a Registered Dietitian dedicated to helping people achieve their goals while feeling inspired and empowered. She is committed to enhancing individuals' quality of life and guiding them toward becoming the best, healthiest version of themselves through diet and lifestyle changes.
(415) 881-1547 View (415) 881-1547
Photo of Addison Hagge, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Addison Hagge
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
(410) 886-7744 View (410) 886-7744
Photo of Joanna Hunter - Vita Nutrition Services, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Vita Nutrition Services
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Serves Area
Now accepting new in person & telehealth clients! Eating and living healthfully can be so hard, especially in a culture of misinformation that gives too many messages about what is "good" or "bad" for us. Vita Nutrition Services is different. Here at Vita Nutrition Services, we have a passion for making nutritious food delicious and fun, regardless of your health concerns.We understand your situation is unique, and we will make every effort to help you creatively and sustainably add healthy food to your everyday life.
Now accepting new in person & telehealth clients! Eating and living healthfully can be so hard, especially in a culture of misinformation that gives too many messages about what is "good" or "bad" for us. Vita Nutrition Services is different. Here at Vita Nutrition Services, we have a passion for making nutritious food delicious and fun, regardless of your health concerns.We understand your situation is unique, and we will make every effort to help you creatively and sustainably add healthy food to your everyday life.
(609) 354-7275 View (609) 354-7275
Photo of Erika Lannaman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Erika Lannaman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Erika specializes in women’s health, weight management, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications, PCOS, general healthy nutrition, meal planning, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, heart conditions, fatty liver disease, and GERD.
Erika is a Registered Dietitian who helps clients build sustainable nutrition habits that support a life they feel good about. She takes a whole-body approach to understand each client’s health, lifestyle, and goals—considering food, sleep, stress, mindset, and daily routines. Erika believes meaningful change happens through collaboration, so she partners with clients to create realistic, empowering plans tailored to their preferences and needs, using a day-by-day approach for long-term success.
Erika specializes in women’s health, weight management, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications, PCOS, general healthy nutrition, meal planning, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, heart conditions, fatty liver disease, and GERD.
Erika is a Registered Dietitian who helps clients build sustainable nutrition habits that support a life they feel good about. She takes a whole-body approach to understand each client’s health, lifestyle, and goals—considering food, sleep, stress, mindset, and daily routines. Erika believes meaningful change happens through collaboration, so she partners with clients to create realistic, empowering plans tailored to their preferences and needs, using a day-by-day approach for long-term success.
(470) 397-5913 View (470) 397-5913
Photo of Jean Tomezsko, Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, RDN, LDN
Jean Tomezsko
Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, RDN, LDN
Philadelphia, PA 19106
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) I work with each client to identify their specific health/nutrition goals and help guide and support them on their road to reaching their goals. I can work with you on anything from weight loss, diabetes treatment to developing a gluten-free diet plan. I am specialized in many other medical conditions as well. I support you with office visits, weekly phone calls, and email contact. Most individuals need from one to three sessions to get on the right track, but I am always happy to schedule additional visits as needed.
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) I work with each client to identify their specific health/nutrition goals and help guide and support them on their road to reaching their goals. I can work with you on anything from weight loss, diabetes treatment to developing a gluten-free diet plan. I am specialized in many other medical conditions as well. I support you with office visits, weekly phone calls, and email contact. Most individuals need from one to three sessions to get on the right track, but I am always happy to schedule additional visits as needed.
(215) 234-1785 View (215) 234-1785
Photo of Beth Chiodo - Beth Chiodo, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT
Beth Chiodo, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT
Ambler, PA 19002
As a Certified Gastrointestinal Nutritionist with over 12 years of experience, I can help you improve digestion, reduce symptoms of gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, and help you feel your best. As a fellow Crohn's disease sufferer, I work with IBD, IBS, Celiac, SIBO, Gluten Intolerance and Food Sensitivities, Intestinal Permeability (AKA Leaky Gut), and more. I can empathize with the social and emotional struggles that accompany these disorders, and I provide a supportive, gentle approach to help you gain control and take your life back. Healing your gut can help may other health issues too!
As a Certified Gastrointestinal Nutritionist with over 12 years of experience, I can help you improve digestion, reduce symptoms of gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, and help you feel your best. As a fellow Crohn's disease sufferer, I work with IBD, IBS, Celiac, SIBO, Gluten Intolerance and Food Sensitivities, Intestinal Permeability (AKA Leaky Gut), and more. I can empathize with the social and emotional struggles that accompany these disorders, and I provide a supportive, gentle approach to help you gain control and take your life back. Healing your gut can help may other health issues too!
(484) 494-2928 View (484) 494-2928
Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians
How does nutrition affect heart health?
Nutrition plays a significant role in heart health, affecting conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Consuming too much saturated and trans fats can raise "bad" cholesterol levels, potentially leading to clogged arteries and heart disease. In addition, high-sugar and refined carb foods, common in the American diet, are often high in calories but low in nutrients. Abundant consumption of such foods can lead to conditions such as weight gain and diabetes, which put extra strain on the heart. Excess sodium intake is yet another dietary component that can impact heart health. Consumption of too much sodium can raise blood pressure, making the heart work harder. Conversely, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps support heart health through the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels and the reduction of inflammation.

What diet is best for heart health?
In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutrition approach to a heart healthy diet. The "Mediterranean diet," characterized by the consumption of lots of healthy fats, vegetables, beans, and whole grains is one common diet with abundant evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is another common diet shown to reduce blood pressure and positively impact heart health; the DASH diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products with a particular focus on reducing the consumption of saturated fats. Conversely, diets that include the consumption of large amounts of protein and fats—such as the keto diet and atkins diet—are generally not recommended for those with heart conditions or high cholesterol levels due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats such diets can include.

What foods increase one's risk of heart disease?
Foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats, cream, butter, and pastries, can have a very negative impact on heart health. In addition, sweets, high-sugar drinks, and refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta are usually good to avoid in order to positively impact heart health. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fat alternatives, such as consuming lean fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of red meat, is often a good strategy, as is replacing highly-processed and sugar-rich foods with alternative carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Why should someone with heart disease see a dietitian?
Dietitians are specifically trained to use diet modifications to manage health, so individuals with heart disease may greatly benefit from seeing a dietitian to improve their cardiac health. Dietitians can help clients identify foods that support heart health, such as whole grains, as well as help clients eliminate foods that can place a strain on the heart when consumed in large quantities over time, such as saturated and trans fats. Dietitians can also help hold clients accountable for their nutrition and provide resources for other lifestyle modifications that support heart health, such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction. Additionally, dietitians can assist in managing other chronic diseases often associated with heart disease, such as kidney conditions or diabetes.