Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in 19462

Photo of Meghan Anderson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Meghan Anderson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
If you or a loved one find yourself consumed with overwhelming fears about food or the body, stuck in the trenches of an eating disorder, trapped in chronic cycles of dieting, or unsure how to fuel your body as an athlete — you can exhale. I am here offering unwavering support to help you cut through the noise, heal your relationship with food, optimize your health or performance, and reclaim your strongest, healthiest, and happiest self. As a dietitian specializing in eating disorders, sports nutrition, and weight-inclusive Medical Nutrition Therapy, I offer a holistic and balanced approach that supports both body and mind.
If you or a loved one find yourself consumed with overwhelming fears about food or the body, stuck in the trenches of an eating disorder, trapped in chronic cycles of dieting, or unsure how to fuel your body as an athlete — you can exhale. I am here offering unwavering support to help you cut through the noise, heal your relationship with food, optimize your health or performance, and reclaim your strongest, healthiest, and happiest self. As a dietitian specializing in eating disorders, sports nutrition, and weight-inclusive Medical Nutrition Therapy, I offer a holistic and balanced approach that supports both body and mind.
(610) 638-6150 View (610) 638-6150
Photo of Genevieve Dooner, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, MS, RYT
Genevieve Dooner
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, MS, RYT
Online Only
Whether you’re navigating weight management, diabetes, heart health, menopause, or simply trying to eat in a more balanced way, I help break nutrition down into simple steps that actually fit your life.
I take time to truly listen to you—your symptoms, struggles, and story. Through an in-depth assessment of your whole-body health, we’ll uncover what’s really going on and develop a plan that you understand. We’ll target root causes and restore balance so you can feel like yourself again- all while eating delicious food.
Whether you’re navigating weight management, diabetes, heart health, menopause, or simply trying to eat in a more balanced way, I help break nutrition down into simple steps that actually fit your life.
I take time to truly listen to you—your symptoms, struggles, and story. Through an in-depth assessment of your whole-body health, we’ll uncover what’s really going on and develop a plan that you understand. We’ll target root causes and restore balance so you can feel like yourself again- all while eating delicious food.
(484) 759-7466 View (484) 759-7466
Photo of Christina Ushler - Wellness By Christina, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CHC
Wellness By Christina, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CHC
Online Only
Christina Ushler, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian/health coach specializing in weight management and preventative health. Christina provides nutritional counseling, health coaching, and meal planning. Christina will explore concerns specific to you and help you discover tools needed for a lifetime of balance. Your personalized program will radically improve your health and happiness!
Christina Ushler, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian/health coach specializing in weight management and preventative health. Christina provides nutritional counseling, health coaching, and meal planning. Christina will explore concerns specific to you and help you discover tools needed for a lifetime of balance. Your personalized program will radically improve your health and happiness!
(610) 345-8130 View (610) 345-8130

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

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 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 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 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 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 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 Nada Mays, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Nada Mays
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Philadelphia, PA 19134
Providing evidence-based, clinical nutrition counseling to support you in achieving your health goals.
Providing evidence-based, clinical nutrition counseling to support you in achieving your health goals.
(973) 846-9414 View (973) 846-9414
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 Linda Matthews, Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
Linda Matthews
Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
3 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 Joanne Ostiguy Gibson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, FMNS, CLT, LDN
Joanne Ostiguy Gibson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, FMNS, CLT, LDN
Media, PA 19063
My passion is educating patients in weight management, food sensitivities, wellness and fitness I have a certification in Adult Weight Management levels I and II through the ADA and a certification in Sports Nutrition through ACE. I am a Certified LEAP therapist and can help you determine what foods, food additives/chemicals may be contributing to your health issues. I run my private practice out of my home office and can also provide nutrition coaching virtually. I am certified to teach PiYo and I am a certified Personal Trainer. Check out my website joannegibsondietitian.com for services and scheduling.
My passion is educating patients in weight management, food sensitivities, wellness and fitness I have a certification in Adult Weight Management levels I and II through the ADA and a certification in Sports Nutrition through ACE. I am a Certified LEAP therapist and can help you determine what foods, food additives/chemicals may be contributing to your health issues. I run my private practice out of my home office and can also provide nutrition coaching virtually. I am certified to teach PiYo and I am a certified Personal Trainer. Check out my website joannegibsondietitian.com for services and scheduling.
(610) 285-1842 View (610) 285-1842
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 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 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 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 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 Kirsten Puskar - Spring House Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDCES, LDN
Spring House Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDCES, LDN
Ambler, PA 19002
By improving your diet and lifestyle I am able to help you improve chronic conditions like pain, obesity, diabetes, kidney or heart disease, weight loss or GI issues
Our lives are complex enough, so I make nutrition easy and convenient. I am credentialed to accept payment direct from most health plans. I can help with menu item selection, 10 minute recipes and I look at your whole lifestyle not just food. Scales and calories are misleading - I have better ways to improve your health! Why not call me today?
By improving your diet and lifestyle I am able to help you improve chronic conditions like pain, obesity, diabetes, kidney or heart disease, weight loss or GI issues
Our lives are complex enough, so I make nutrition easy and convenient. I am credentialed to accept payment direct from most health plans. I can help with menu item selection, 10 minute recipes and I look at your whole lifestyle not just food. Scales and calories are misleading - I have better ways to improve your health! Why not call me today?
(215) 717-8581 View (215) 717-8581
Photo of Wendy Romig, Nutritionist/Dietitian, DCN, MS, CNS, LDN
Wendy Romig
Nutritionist/Dietitian, DCN, MS, CNS, LDN
Malvern, PA 19355
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
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.