Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in 19426

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

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 Rosemary Couzens, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, CIC
Rosemary Couzens
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, CIC
Serves Area
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 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 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
Photo of Danielle Parris, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Danielle Parris
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Serves Area
Danielle approaches a healthy lifestyle with a "find what works for you" attitude, recognizing that each patient has unique nutritional needs and requires personalized care. She can work with you to identify what foods and behaviors will fit into your life - nourishing your body and optimizing your health potential.
Danielle approaches a healthy lifestyle with a "find what works for you" attitude, recognizing that each patient has unique nutritional needs and requires personalized care. She can work with you to identify what foods and behaviors will fit into your life - nourishing your body and optimizing your health potential.
(717) 388-3913 View (717) 388-3913
Photo of Anne Suelzer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Anne Suelzer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialties include Vegan/Vegetarian, Anti-inflammatory Nutrition, Heart Health, Hormonal Imbalances, GI Conditions (IBS and IBD), GERD (Acid Reflux), Diabetes, Crohn’s, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, High Cholesterol, Ulcerative Colitis, Psychiatric Diagnosis, Hyper/Hypo-Thyroidism, Candida Overgrowth.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
Specialties include Vegan/Vegetarian, Anti-inflammatory Nutrition, Heart Health, Hormonal Imbalances, GI Conditions (IBS and IBD), GERD (Acid Reflux), Diabetes, Crohn’s, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, High Cholesterol, Ulcerative Colitis, Psychiatric Diagnosis, Hyper/Hypo-Thyroidism, Candida Overgrowth.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
(332) 244-2046 View (332) 244-2046
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 Paige Bates, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Paige Bates
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Paige is a Registered Dietitian with over 7 years of experience in several areas of nutrition, including but not limited to clinical nutrition for adults and neonates, pediatrics, public health, and weight management. She realized at an early age that she was passionate about helping people improve their health and well-being through holistic nutrition and lifestyle management. She is particularly passionate about working with women to manage their hormone health, including conditions such as PCOS, infertility, and other similar issues.
Paige is a Registered Dietitian with over 7 years of experience in several areas of nutrition, including but not limited to clinical nutrition for adults and neonates, pediatrics, public health, and weight management. She realized at an early age that she was passionate about helping people improve their health and well-being through holistic nutrition and lifestyle management. She is particularly passionate about working with women to manage their hormone health, including conditions such as PCOS, infertility, and other similar issues.
(817) 904-2629 View (817) 904-2629
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 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 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 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 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 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 Andrew Baer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Andrew Baer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
I embrace the idea that we are all different, therefore I address not only your nutritional needs but also your unique preferences, tastes, and lifestyles. Whether you are looking to lose weight, build muscle, lower cholesterol or blood sugar, improve digestive health, or even heal your relationship with food, I am here to help! My goal is to help people create a better relationship with food in a way that is fun and sustainable. I'm also committed to making sure my clients meet their nutrition and exercise goals as well. Overall, I love sharing my knowledge and enjoy helping others achieve their personal goals.
I embrace the idea that we are all different, therefore I address not only your nutritional needs but also your unique preferences, tastes, and lifestyles. Whether you are looking to lose weight, build muscle, lower cholesterol or blood sugar, improve digestive health, or even heal your relationship with food, I am here to help! My goal is to help people create a better relationship with food in a way that is fun and sustainable. I'm also committed to making sure my clients meet their nutrition and exercise goals as well. Overall, I love sharing my knowledge and enjoy helping others achieve their personal goals.
(215) 598-6472 View (215) 598-6472
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 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 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 June Kuz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CLT, IFNCP
June Kuz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CLT, IFNCP
Downingtown, PA 19335
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 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
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.