Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in 21208

Photo of Andria McCormack, Nutritionist/Dietitian, LDN, RDN
Andria McCormack
Nutritionist/Dietitian, LDN, RDN
Online Only
My mission is to simplify nutrition and empower clients with practical tools they can use long term. In client meetings I offer a personalized and supportive approach that makes healthy eating habits feel achievable, satisfying, and tailored to YOUR lifestyle.
My mission is to simplify nutrition and empower clients with practical tools they can use long term. In client meetings I offer a personalized and supportive approach that makes healthy eating habits feel achievable, satisfying, and tailored to YOUR lifestyle.
(443) 781-9032 View (443) 781-9032
Photo of Jodi Serafin - Jodi Serafin of Chesapeake Nutrition Company, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CDCES
Jodi Serafin of Chesapeake Nutrition Company
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CDCES
Pikesville, MD 21208
If you are looking to partner with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for help with your diet or a particular health concern, we welcome you to Chesapeake Nutrition Company. During our sessions I will guide you through the nutrition changes that may be most beneficial and will challenge you to set realistic goals and achievable milestones. Working side by side, you are never alone when doing the work of defining, refining, and achieving better health.
If you are looking to partner with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for help with your diet or a particular health concern, we welcome you to Chesapeake Nutrition Company. During our sessions I will guide you through the nutrition changes that may be most beneficial and will challenge you to set realistic goals and achievable milestones. Working side by side, you are never alone when doing the work of defining, refining, and achieving better health.
(301) 250-1063 View (301) 250-1063
Photo of Shannon Svikhart, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Shannon Svikhart
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Baltimore, MD 21208
My goal is to guide my clients through the nutrition changes needed for optimal health. We'll begin our work together with an initial assessment, approachable nutrition education, and goal setting. I will challenge you to set realistic goals and achievable milestones, supporting you every step of the way. My hope it that our sessions will be a warm and compassionate space for you to learn and grow.
My goal is to guide my clients through the nutrition changes needed for optimal health. We'll begin our work together with an initial assessment, approachable nutrition education, and goal setting. I will challenge you to set realistic goals and achievable milestones, supporting you every step of the way. My hope it that our sessions will be a warm and compassionate space for you to learn and grow.
(443) 785-7123 View (443) 785-7123
Photo of Nourish Registered Dietitian Nutritionists - Nourish Family Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Nourish Family Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Online Only
At Nourish, we don’t lecture, body shame, or give clients generic nutrition plans. Our caring professionals help each individual achieve and maintain optimal health and a positive body image through collaborative goal setting, tailored, science-based nutrition plans, and other industry best practices. Tired of bouncing from diet to diet and Googling nutrition advice? Quick fixes aren’t long-term solutions. You’ll achieve and maintain your goals with our personalized, sustainable nutrition plans. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to nutrition counseling.
At Nourish, we don’t lecture, body shame, or give clients generic nutrition plans. Our caring professionals help each individual achieve and maintain optimal health and a positive body image through collaborative goal setting, tailored, science-based nutrition plans, and other industry best practices. Tired of bouncing from diet to diet and Googling nutrition advice? Quick fixes aren’t long-term solutions. You’ll achieve and maintain your goals with our personalized, sustainable nutrition plans. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to nutrition counseling.
(410) 394-8291 View (410) 394-8291

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Daphene Altema-Johnson - Health Wellness Pact, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, MBA, RDN, LD
Health Wellness Pact
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, MBA, RDN, LD
Columbia, MD 21044
Our goal at Health Wellness Pact LLC is to serve as your accountability partner. We’ll make a pact to help you achieve your nutrition and health goals - whatever they are. We know there’s no “one size fits all” in life. The ultimate goal of working together is progress, not perfection, and our interventions are rooted in scientific evidence.
Our goal at Health Wellness Pact LLC is to serve as your accountability partner. We’ll make a pact to help you achieve your nutrition and health goals - whatever they are. We know there’s no “one size fits all” in life. The ultimate goal of working together is progress, not perfection, and our interventions are rooted in scientific evidence.
(240) 774-1735 View (240) 774-1735
Photo of Morgan Schmitt, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Morgan Schmitt
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
3 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21212
Specialties include: Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Digestive Issues, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, High Cholesterol, Weight Management, Heart Health, and High Blood Pressure.
Morgan is a registered dietitian committed to improving overall health and well-being. She specializes in supporting individuals with diabetes, gut health issues, PCOS, and thyroid management. With a holistic approach, Morgan goes beyond assessing dietary habits to consider various lifestyle factors such as sleep patterns, stress levels, and one's relationship with food. Morgan combines her expertise in nutrition with a compassionate approach to guide individuals on their journey towards improved health and wellness. Morgan recognizes that everyone's health and wellness journey is unique.
Specialties include: Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Digestive Issues, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, High Cholesterol, Weight Management, Heart Health, and High Blood Pressure.
Morgan is a registered dietitian committed to improving overall health and well-being. She specializes in supporting individuals with diabetes, gut health issues, PCOS, and thyroid management. With a holistic approach, Morgan goes beyond assessing dietary habits to consider various lifestyle factors such as sleep patterns, stress levels, and one's relationship with food. Morgan combines her expertise in nutrition with a compassionate approach to guide individuals on their journey towards improved health and wellness. Morgan recognizes that everyone's health and wellness journey is unique.
(240) 237-9607 View (240) 237-9607
Photo of Caroline Tizard - Thrive Nutrition Counseling, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS RD, LDN, CSOWM
Thrive Nutrition Counseling
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS RD, LDN, CSOWM
Baltimore, MD 21211
At Thrive Nutrition Counseling, we believe that true wellness begins with a great diet. You will work one-on-one with your Registered Dietitian to develop a personalized plan that fits your wellness goals. Thrive takes a holistic approach to nutrition that considers your unique dietary needs, habits, and preferences to develop a plan that works best for you!
At Thrive Nutrition Counseling, we believe that true wellness begins with a great diet. You will work one-on-one with your Registered Dietitian to develop a personalized plan that fits your wellness goals. Thrive takes a holistic approach to nutrition that considers your unique dietary needs, habits, and preferences to develop a plan that works best for you!
(443) 312-5320 View (443) 312-5320
Photo of Brittany Norem, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Brittany Norem
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialities include: Weight management, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, PCOS, Heart Healthy Eating, General Nutrition, High Cholesterol, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Celiac Disease, IBS, Vegetarian and Vegan diets.
Brittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Health Loft who works collaboratively with clients to create life-long and sustainable changes. Brittany understands that change takes time and works with client’s to find this balance in nutrition and daily movement. Through open discussion during sessions, client's will learn how to establish daily patterns that ultimately create healthy habits for long-term success. Brittany believes there is no one perfect diet and works with you to find the dietary interventions best suited for your health journey.
Specialities include: Weight management, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, PCOS, Heart Healthy Eating, General Nutrition, High Cholesterol, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Celiac Disease, IBS, Vegetarian and Vegan diets.
Brittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Health Loft who works collaboratively with clients to create life-long and sustainable changes. Brittany understands that change takes time and works with client’s to find this balance in nutrition and daily movement. Through open discussion during sessions, client's will learn how to establish daily patterns that ultimately create healthy habits for long-term success. Brittany believes there is no one perfect diet and works with you to find the dietary interventions best suited for your health journey.
(904) 467-7389 View (904) 467-7389
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 Sofia Mendes, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Sofia Mendes
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a registered dietitian who is passionate about guiding others toward a healthier, more positive relationship with food and their bodies. I understand that nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all journey, which is why I prioritize a client-centered approach and tailor my care to each individual. In a world overwhelmed by nutrition myths and misinformation, I strive to cut through the noise and make healthy living approachable and clear. I recognize that every person has unique nutritional needs, so I ensure that my guidance reflects that.
I am a registered dietitian who is passionate about guiding others toward a healthier, more positive relationship with food and their bodies. I understand that nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all journey, which is why I prioritize a client-centered approach and tailor my care to each individual. In a world overwhelmed by nutrition myths and misinformation, I strive to cut through the noise and make healthy living approachable and clear. I recognize that every person has unique nutritional needs, so I ensure that my guidance reflects that.
(630) 496-4611 View (630) 496-4611
Photo of Danielle Hendrix, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CEDS
Danielle Hendrix
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CEDS
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialties include Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Emotional Wellbeing, Wellness Counseling, Heart Healthy Nutrition, General Nutrition, IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, Vegan, Vegetarian diets.
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
Specialties include Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Emotional Wellbeing, Wellness Counseling, Heart Healthy Nutrition, General Nutrition, IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, Vegan, Vegetarian diets.
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
(346) 666-7394 View (346) 666-7394
Photo of Casey Bramble, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Casey Bramble
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Casey specializes in weight management, anti-inflammatory nutrition, diabetes care, prenatal and postpartum nutrition, heart and kidney health, and malnutrition.
Casey is a compassionate Registered Dietitian (RD) dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. Her ideal client is someone who is curious about improving their relationship with food and their body through sustainable nutrition practices.
Casey specializes in weight management, anti-inflammatory nutrition, diabetes care, prenatal and postpartum nutrition, heart and kidney health, and malnutrition.
Casey is a compassionate Registered Dietitian (RD) dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. Her ideal client is someone who is curious about improving their relationship with food and their body through sustainable nutrition practices.
(321) 475-6080 View (321) 475-6080
Photo of Kerri Holmquist, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CD, RD, CDCES, LDN
Kerri Holmquist
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CD, RD, CDCES, LDN
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Other areas of practice/interest include Cardiac/ Heart Health, Renal Disease, and intuitive eating.
Kerri is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, IBS, Diabetes, and Pregnancy Nutrition. She believes that the beauty of her profession is supporting clients to become empowered and confident as they explore what works for them. Kerri takes a lifelong and “food is fun” approach to her sessions, and understands that what may work in one season of life, may not work in the next. Kerri also believes in an all inclusive approach with foods and body types, providing an environment rich in opportunity to build trust and learning for both client and provider.
Other areas of practice/interest include Cardiac/ Heart Health, Renal Disease, and intuitive eating.
Kerri is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, IBS, Diabetes, and Pregnancy Nutrition. She believes that the beauty of her profession is supporting clients to become empowered and confident as they explore what works for them. Kerri takes a lifelong and “food is fun” approach to her sessions, and understands that what may work in one season of life, may not work in the next. Kerri also believes in an all inclusive approach with foods and body types, providing an environment rich in opportunity to build trust and learning for both client and provider.
(704) 859-2677 View (704) 859-2677
Photo of Elizabeth Kerr, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Elizabeth Kerr
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
6 Endorsed
Greenbelt, MD 20770
I incorporate this idea when seeing clients for heart health, weight management, diabetes management, and other health conditions like hypothyroidism, cancer, IBS, Crohn's disease, and kidney disease.
Have you been told to eat "healthier" or more "balanced" but are unsure of what that looks like? Or are you struggling with how to eat to manage a medical condition? There is a lot of information out there that can be confusing and hard to apply. Not only that but changing what and how you eat can be hard work in the midst of all that life throws at you! If you're interested in personalized, evidence-based nutrition help you've come to the right place.
I incorporate this idea when seeing clients for heart health, weight management, diabetes management, and other health conditions like hypothyroidism, cancer, IBS, Crohn's disease, and kidney disease.
Have you been told to eat "healthier" or more "balanced" but are unsure of what that looks like? Or are you struggling with how to eat to manage a medical condition? There is a lot of information out there that can be confusing and hard to apply. Not only that but changing what and how you eat can be hard work in the midst of all that life throws at you! If you're interested in personalized, evidence-based nutrition help you've come to the right place.
(240) 764-4046 View (240) 764-4046
Photo of Theresa Mary Roth - Be Healthy Nutrition Consulting, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN , LD, CEDS-S
Be Healthy Nutrition Consulting
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN , LD, CEDS-S
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Be Healthy Nutrition Consulting is a group practice of 12 dietitians who specialize in eating disorders. We are committed to helping people overcome their struggles with food. We has extensive experience in the field of eating disorders and we believe that all individuals are worthy of recovery. Our dietitians provide a non-judgmental environment while promoting self-compassion and we use a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach.
Be Healthy Nutrition Consulting is a group practice of 12 dietitians who specialize in eating disorders. We are committed to helping people overcome their struggles with food. We has extensive experience in the field of eating disorders and we believe that all individuals are worthy of recovery. Our dietitians provide a non-judgmental environment while promoting self-compassion and we use a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach.
(703) 782-5629 View (703) 782-5629
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 Rebecca H Thomas - Food Freedom Nutrition Group, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Food Freedom Nutrition Group
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Are you struggle with yo-yo dieting and do not know how to eat for your health and pleasure? Does dieting and nutritional beliefs consume most of your thoughts and have become your identity? Let’s take back control! If you are ready to break up with destructive eating behaviors and find freedom from disordered eating, I am here to help. I specialize in Mindful eating, recovery from eating disorders( which include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, ARFID and negative food associations).
Are you struggle with yo-yo dieting and do not know how to eat for your health and pleasure? Does dieting and nutritional beliefs consume most of your thoughts and have become your identity? Let’s take back control! If you are ready to break up with destructive eating behaviors and find freedom from disordered eating, I am here to help. I specialize in Mindful eating, recovery from eating disorders( which include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, ARFID and negative food associations).
(443) 616-3329 View (443) 616-3329
Photo of Miranda G Hayden, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Miranda G Hayden
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Serves Area
Let Nutrition Therapy Works assist you with getting on the right track for managing your weight, diabetes, pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and kidney function. With over 20 years of nutrition education experience, I would love to share my knowledge on how you can live a healthier life through proper nutrition and activity. With a combination of experience in chronic kidney disease (outpatient) and hemodialysis ( in-center), I would love to help you learn to preserve your kidney function through proper and specific kidney nutrition needs. There is only one you, you are important! You matter!
Let Nutrition Therapy Works assist you with getting on the right track for managing your weight, diabetes, pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and kidney function. With over 20 years of nutrition education experience, I would love to share my knowledge on how you can live a healthier life through proper nutrition and activity. With a combination of experience in chronic kidney disease (outpatient) and hemodialysis ( in-center), I would love to help you learn to preserve your kidney function through proper and specific kidney nutrition needs. There is only one you, you are important! You matter!
(757) 600-0578 View (757) 600-0578
Photo of Cindy Wu, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Cindy Wu
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Cindy is a Registered Dietitian with a background in individualized client care and 1:1 nutrition counseling. Cindy has developed rapport with clients from a variety of diagnoses, with a specialization in eating disorders. Cindy's primary goal is to help clients foster a strong and sustainable relationship with food that ultimately meets long-term goals. Cindy is a Registered Dietitian who provides an empathetic, trauma-informed, Health-At-Every-Size-informed, and weight-inclusive approach to care. Ensuring that clients feel supported and ready to make changes towards their nutritional goals is her main priority.
Cindy is a Registered Dietitian with a background in individualized client care and 1:1 nutrition counseling. Cindy has developed rapport with clients from a variety of diagnoses, with a specialization in eating disorders. Cindy's primary goal is to help clients foster a strong and sustainable relationship with food that ultimately meets long-term goals. Cindy is a Registered Dietitian who provides an empathetic, trauma-informed, Health-At-Every-Size-informed, and weight-inclusive approach to care. Ensuring that clients feel supported and ready to make changes towards their nutritional goals is her main priority.
(612) 324-6528 View (612) 324-6528
Photo of Jessica Vandergriff, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LD, LDN
Jessica Vandergriff
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LD, LDN
Serves Area
Jessica’s ideal clients are individuals seeking support with diabetes management, heart health, healthy aging, and overall wellness.
Jessica provides individualized nutrition care through a holistic, practical, and sustainable approach. She specializes in diabetes management, heart health, and overall wellness, with support tailored to nutrition, lifestyle, physical activity, and supplementation when appropriate. Her goal is to help clients build healthy habits that last.
Jessica’s ideal clients are individuals seeking support with diabetes management, heart health, healthy aging, and overall wellness.
Jessica provides individualized nutrition care through a holistic, practical, and sustainable approach. She specializes in diabetes management, heart health, and overall wellness, with support tailored to nutrition, lifestyle, physical activity, and supplementation when appropriate. Her goal is to help clients build healthy habits that last.
(312) 872-4780 View (312) 872-4780
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.