Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in 21213

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
Photo of Blanca Soledad Mejia, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LN
Blanca Soledad Mejia
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LN
Serves Area
I am a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Licensed Nutritionist, working in the Baltimore and Gaithersburg area. I am passionate about enabling my patients to improve their lives through healthful nutritional practices. I do not believe in dieting, but instead I believe in empowering patients to become experts on their own nutritional needs. I aim to provide an environment that motivates patients to make gradual, long lasting changes that can lead to a healthier life style. By applying nutritional principles, supported by the medical literature, I focus on the treatment and prevention of weight problems and chronic disease:
I am a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Licensed Nutritionist, working in the Baltimore and Gaithersburg area. I am passionate about enabling my patients to improve their lives through healthful nutritional practices. I do not believe in dieting, but instead I believe in empowering patients to become experts on their own nutritional needs. I aim to provide an environment that motivates patients to make gradual, long lasting changes that can lead to a healthier life style. By applying nutritional principles, supported by the medical literature, I focus on the treatment and prevention of weight problems and chronic disease:
(443) 225-4382 View (443) 225-4382

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 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 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 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 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 Kaitlin Williams Eckstein, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, LD
Kaitlin Williams Eckstein
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, LD
6 Endorsed
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Planning meals for fertility, prenatal nutrition, women's health, hormones, diabetes, PCOS, kidney disease and heart health are my specialties.
You can often see me on cooking fun, healthy meals during live cooking demos on our facebook live, blogs, corporate events, support groups, cooking classes and local television. You can also see me in our Greenbelt, and Columbia offices. I can also provide telehealth appointments that are often covered by your health insurance plan.
Planning meals for fertility, prenatal nutrition, women's health, hormones, diabetes, PCOS, kidney disease and heart health are my specialties.
You can often see me on cooking fun, healthy meals during live cooking demos on our facebook live, blogs, corporate events, support groups, cooking classes and local television. You can also see me in our Greenbelt, and Columbia offices. I can also provide telehealth appointments that are often covered by your health insurance plan.
(301) 918-5654 View (301) 918-5654
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 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 Kristin Jenkins, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Kristin Jenkins
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
6 Endorsed
Greenbelt, MD 20770
If you're feeling confused and frustrated in a world focused on weight loss and diets that never seem to work, you're not alone. Many of my clients struggle with feeling like food dominates their thoughts and their life. By working together, my clients go from feeling tired, anxious, and misunderstood, to finally feeling healthy, happy, and confident in their body and their food choices. If you're ready to reduce stress around mealtimes and get back to enjoying the foods and activities you once loved, let's take the first step together. Together, we'll determine the best way of eating for YOU, not what the latest diet says.
If you're feeling confused and frustrated in a world focused on weight loss and diets that never seem to work, you're not alone. Many of my clients struggle with feeling like food dominates their thoughts and their life. By working together, my clients go from feeling tired, anxious, and misunderstood, to finally feeling healthy, happy, and confident in their body and their food choices. If you're ready to reduce stress around mealtimes and get back to enjoying the foods and activities you once loved, let's take the first step together. Together, we'll determine the best way of eating for YOU, not what the latest diet says.
(301) 215-2069 View (301) 215-2069
Photo of Klara Knezevic, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CLT
Klara Knezevic
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CLT
8 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045
My passion is to help you feel better and live your life to the fullest, without feeling restricted by food choices. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, undergoing cancer treatment or attempting to manage a chronic illness, I am here to help! I will work with you to find a personalized nutrition approach that works for you based on your unique situation and including your favorite current foods and inspiration with new foods using our own quick, easy recipes.
My passion is to help you feel better and live your life to the fullest, without feeling restricted by food choices. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, undergoing cancer treatment or attempting to manage a chronic illness, I am here to help! I will work with you to find a personalized nutrition approach that works for you based on your unique situation and including your favorite current foods and inspiration with new foods using our own quick, easy recipes.
(301) 804-2249 View (301) 804-2249
Photo of Malou Aragon Nichols, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Malou Aragon Nichols
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Serves Area
Malou /mah-loo/ sees individuals as experts in their lived experience and believes in their inherent wholeness. They view cultural food and foodways as an integral part of our relationship with self, health, and nature. She identifies as a Filipino/a/x dietitian because it holds cultural, social significance to them and influences their care work. They bring humility to their work, aspiring to cultivate embodied relationships with food and well-being. She is passionate about supporting folks with complex medical concerns and prioritizes a weight-inclusive or fat-positive approach.
Malou /mah-loo/ sees individuals as experts in their lived experience and believes in their inherent wholeness. They view cultural food and foodways as an integral part of our relationship with self, health, and nature. She identifies as a Filipino/a/x dietitian because it holds cultural, social significance to them and influences their care work. They bring humility to their work, aspiring to cultivate embodied relationships with food and well-being. She is passionate about supporting folks with complex medical concerns and prioritizes a weight-inclusive or fat-positive approach.
(970) 442-9670 View (970) 442-9670
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 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 Haleigh Augspols, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Haleigh Augspols
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
4 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21224
Specialties include working with clients that have or had a history of Eating Disorders, Picky Eating, Pre-Diabetes, Heart Conditions, High Cholesterol, GERD, Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative Colitis, Gout, High Blood Pressure, Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Underweight Nutrition, Weight Management, Food Allergy
Passionate about nourishing bodies with evidence-based nutrition, Haleigh is a registered dietitian committed to guiding you through the maze of healthy eating. Haleigh loves helping her clients make small changes to their lifestyle that makes a huge difference to their health. Haleigh is dedicated to assisting clients with a mind-body approach to a healthier lifestyle through education on intuitive eating, stress reduction and a whole foods approach. She is a “non-diet” dietitian and strongly supports making changes that work for each person as an individual.
Specialties include working with clients that have or had a history of Eating Disorders, Picky Eating, Pre-Diabetes, Heart Conditions, High Cholesterol, GERD, Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative Colitis, Gout, High Blood Pressure, Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Underweight Nutrition, Weight Management, Food Allergy
Passionate about nourishing bodies with evidence-based nutrition, Haleigh is a registered dietitian committed to guiding you through the maze of healthy eating. Haleigh loves helping her clients make small changes to their lifestyle that makes a huge difference to their health. Haleigh is dedicated to assisting clients with a mind-body approach to a healthier lifestyle through education on intuitive eating, stress reduction and a whole foods approach. She is a “non-diet” dietitian and strongly supports making changes that work for each person as an individual.
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
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 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 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
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.