Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in 19355

Photo of Wendy Romig, Nutritionist/Dietitian, DCN, MS, CNS, LDN
Wendy Romig
Nutritionist/Dietitian, DCN, MS, CNS, LDN
Online Only
Doctor of Clinical Nutrition - Over 80% of clients who work with me start to see improvements within 3 weeks. At my clinic, Sage Integrative Health Center, I offer clinical expertise for a wide range of complex health concerns using functional nutrition, herbal medicine and wellness counseling. After your initial consultation, you will receive a comprehensive, customized therapeutic plan which includes my clinical assessment of your condition, nutritional strategies, meal plans, lifestyle recommendations, and areas for monitoring progress. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone call or introductory visit to learn more.
Doctor of Clinical Nutrition - Over 80% of clients who work with me start to see improvements within 3 weeks. At my clinic, Sage Integrative Health Center, I offer clinical expertise for a wide range of complex health concerns using functional nutrition, herbal medicine and wellness counseling. After your initial consultation, you will receive a comprehensive, customized therapeutic plan which includes my clinical assessment of your condition, nutritional strategies, meal plans, lifestyle recommendations, and areas for monitoring progress. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone call or introductory visit to learn more.
(215) 866-2417 View (215) 866-2417

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

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 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 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
Photo of Julie Sokalski - Compleat Wellness Studio, LLC., Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CPT
Compleat Wellness Studio, LLC.
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CPT
Serves Area
Are you frustrated with counting calories and missing your favorite foods with little results? Would you like to avoid another medication, even get off of current medication or avoid a complications from a chronic disease? Are you an athlete looking to optimize your performance or are you working hard in the gym and not seeing the results you desire? Imagine being in your best health while enjoying your favorite foods, confidently navigating the grocery store, preparing wholesome & nutritious meals, putting your health first and sustaining ideal health & wellness. Let's start this journey now!
Are you frustrated with counting calories and missing your favorite foods with little results? Would you like to avoid another medication, even get off of current medication or avoid a complications from a chronic disease? Are you an athlete looking to optimize your performance or are you working hard in the gym and not seeing the results you desire? Imagine being in your best health while enjoying your favorite foods, confidently navigating the grocery store, preparing wholesome & nutritious meals, putting your health first and sustaining ideal health & wellness. Let's start this journey now!
(717) 294-0315 View (717) 294-0315
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 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 Olena Zinshtein, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Olena Zinshtein
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Olena Zinshtein, founder of Key Nutrition LLC is a registered dietitian. Olena has been working with a variety of patient populations including but not limited to managing Diabetes, Heart disease, Renal disease, Gastrointestinal disorders, weight loss/gain, and food allergies. Olena works closely with her clients learning what their struggle with food is in order to help them establish a healthy relationship with food. She provides knowledge and tools for a long-term success in achieving client’s goals to fit personal lifestyle, health concerns, and food preferences. Olena practices medical nutrition therapy based on the latest evidence based research.
Olena Zinshtein, founder of Key Nutrition LLC is a registered dietitian. Olena has been working with a variety of patient populations including but not limited to managing Diabetes, Heart disease, Renal disease, Gastrointestinal disorders, weight loss/gain, and food allergies. Olena works closely with her clients learning what their struggle with food is in order to help them establish a healthy relationship with food. She provides knowledge and tools for a long-term success in achieving client’s goals to fit personal lifestyle, health concerns, and food preferences. Olena practices medical nutrition therapy based on the latest evidence based research.
(215) 488-7290 View (215) 488-7290
Photo of Linda Matthews, Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
Linda Matthews
Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
5 Endorsed
Collegeville, PA 19426
If you’ve been to doctor after doctor without real answers, you’re not alone—and I’m here to change that! I specialize in complex health challenges and help clients recover from issues like autoimmune disease, severe digestive symptoms, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight that just won’t budge. I also work with SIBO, histamine intolerance, oxalates, salicylates, lectins, PMS, thyroid issues, joint pain, eating disorders, mold toxicity, anxiety/ depression and arthritis. As a functional nutritionist, I go beyond symptom management—I uncover and address the root cause so true healing can begin.
If you’ve been to doctor after doctor without real answers, you’re not alone—and I’m here to change that! I specialize in complex health challenges and help clients recover from issues like autoimmune disease, severe digestive symptoms, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight that just won’t budge. I also work with SIBO, histamine intolerance, oxalates, salicylates, lectins, PMS, thyroid issues, joint pain, eating disorders, mold toxicity, anxiety/ depression and arthritis. As a functional nutritionist, I go beyond symptom management—I uncover and address the root cause so true healing can begin.
(484) 749-9525 View (484) 749-9525
Photo of Jeffrey Dalton Nice, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Jeffrey Dalton Nice
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Quakertown, PA 18951
Dalton is a Registered Dietitian specializing in weight loss and body transformation. For the last decade, Dalton has dedicated his life to improving the health and well-being of hundreds of clients. He is known as a specialist in the field of weight loss, with highly successful methods for delivering lasting results.
Dalton is a Registered Dietitian specializing in weight loss and body transformation. For the last decade, Dalton has dedicated his life to improving the health and well-being of hundreds of clients. He is known as a specialist in the field of weight loss, with highly successful methods for delivering lasting results.
(267) 459-8453 View (267) 459-8453
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 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 Pat Dinunzio-Ruth, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Pat Dinunzio-Ruth
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Lansdale, PA 19446
I am a licensed, registered dietitian with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individuals on nutrition. I enjoy working with clients and helping them make life-long changes in their eating habits, addressing not only what foods to eat, but how to eat, when to eat, and why we eat. I have worked successfully with individuals with many different diagnoses, helping them deal with multiple health issues. I enjoy developing an ongoing working relationship with my clients, showing how nutrition can make a positive difference in their lives, as it has in my own.
I am a licensed, registered dietitian with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individuals on nutrition. I enjoy working with clients and helping them make life-long changes in their eating habits, addressing not only what foods to eat, but how to eat, when to eat, and why we eat. I have worked successfully with individuals with many different diagnoses, helping them deal with multiple health issues. I enjoy developing an ongoing working relationship with my clients, showing how nutrition can make a positive difference in their lives, as it has in my own.
(215) 650-3956 View (215) 650-3956
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 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 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 Kristina McCarthy, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MCN, RD, LD
Kristina McCarthy
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MCN, RD, LD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Krissy helps clients take the stress out of eating and find confidence and joy in nourishing themselves. She was inspired to become a Registered Dietitian after navigating her own health challenges involving food, and she brings an empathetic lens to supporting clients on their own health journeys. Krissy works with clients to explore and improve their relationship with food through an “all foods fit” approach, often incorporating intuitive and mindful eating practices.
Krissy helps clients take the stress out of eating and find confidence and joy in nourishing themselves. She was inspired to become a Registered Dietitian after navigating her own health challenges involving food, and she brings an empathetic lens to supporting clients on their own health journeys. Krissy works with clients to explore and improve their relationship with food through an “all foods fit” approach, often incorporating intuitive and mindful eating practices.
(872) 219-1300 View (872) 219-1300
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 Kristen Braconnier, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Kristen Braconnier
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Serves Area
Do you feel completely overwhelmed by the vast amount of nutrition information on the internet? Do you feel frustrated that all of your hardwork isn't revealing the results you want? Have you hit a plateau with your progress? That's exactly how most of my clients feel before we meet! We work together to create a customized plan based on your schedule, lifestyle and goals so you feel that you are reaching your goals week by week! I specialize in sports nutrition, disordered eating, gastrointestinal issues, bariatric surgery, weight management, autoimmune disorders, pediatric nutrition and other medical nutrition therapies.
Do you feel completely overwhelmed by the vast amount of nutrition information on the internet? Do you feel frustrated that all of your hardwork isn't revealing the results you want? Have you hit a plateau with your progress? That's exactly how most of my clients feel before we meet! We work together to create a customized plan based on your schedule, lifestyle and goals so you feel that you are reaching your goals week by week! I specialize in sports nutrition, disordered eating, gastrointestinal issues, bariatric surgery, weight management, autoimmune disorders, pediatric nutrition and other medical nutrition therapies.
(610) 557-3956 View (610) 557-3956
Photo of Ashlee Hancock, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Ashlee Hancock
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
With both personal and professional experience in eating disorder recovery, this population is especially close to her heart.
Specialties: Eating disorders and disordered eating, intuitive eating, weight management, general nutrition, women’s health and wellness, Type II diabetes, and fostering a positive relationship with food and self in a safe, supportive environment.
With both personal and professional experience in eating disorder recovery, this population is especially close to her heart.
Specialties: Eating disorders and disordered eating, intuitive eating, weight management, general nutrition, women’s health and wellness, Type II diabetes, and fostering a positive relationship with food and self in a safe, supportive environment.
(515) 375-7850 View (515) 375-7850
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.