Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in 32226

Photo of Tyra Tanner - ELLAD Preventative Health, Nutritionist/Dietitian, DNP, ANP, CNS, RD, PMHNP
ELLAD Preventative Health
Nutritionist/Dietitian, DNP, ANP, CNS, RD, PMHNP
Serves Area
Our philosophy centers on the holistic well-being of our patients, with a focus on delivering comprehensive care across every aspect of their health. By integrating wellness components, we can provide whole-person healthcare that considers all facets of our patients' health. ELLAD Preventative Health proudly serves clients across multiple U.S. locations, including Chesterfield, Henrico, Richmond VA, Fairfax VA, Atlanta GA, Houston TX, and St. Petersburg FL. We deliver trusted, results-driven preventative health services with personalized care, transparent pricing, and reliable support—wherever you are.
Our philosophy centers on the holistic well-being of our patients, with a focus on delivering comprehensive care across every aspect of their health. By integrating wellness components, we can provide whole-person healthcare that considers all facets of our patients' health. ELLAD Preventative Health proudly serves clients across multiple U.S. locations, including Chesterfield, Henrico, Richmond VA, Fairfax VA, Atlanta GA, Houston TX, and St. Petersburg FL. We deliver trusted, results-driven preventative health services with personalized care, transparent pricing, and reliable support—wherever you are.
(804) 455-7265 View (804) 455-7265

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

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 Kelly Duncombe, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Kelly Duncombe
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
3 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32207
With a heart that genuinely loves people, Kelly derives immense satisfaction from coaching and helping individuals on their path to better health.
Specialities include: Weight management, Diabetes, Heart Health, General Nutrition, Gut Health, Kidney Disease, Sports Nutrition, Women's Health (Pre/Post Natal Nutrition), Infertility Nutrition, Vegan/Vegetarian diets, PCOS, Hormonal Issues.
With a heart that genuinely loves people, Kelly derives immense satisfaction from coaching and helping individuals on their path to better health.
Specialities include: Weight management, Diabetes, Heart Health, General Nutrition, Gut Health, Kidney Disease, Sports Nutrition, Women's Health (Pre/Post Natal Nutrition), Infertility Nutrition, Vegan/Vegetarian diets, PCOS, Hormonal Issues.
(872) 259-6187 View (872) 259-6187
Photo of Carra Joseph, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LRD, LD
Carra Joseph
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LRD, LD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
(980) 575-0909 View (980) 575-0909
Photo of Catherine Hart, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Catherine Hart
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Jacksonville, FL 32202
My ideal client is engaged and ready to participate. I’m patient and happy to take the time to build trust and collaboration, but I prefer working with people who want to do the work and communicate. I hope to meet clients with varied nutrition needs who understand that change takes time.
My ideal client is engaged and ready to participate. I’m patient and happy to take the time to build trust and collaboration, but I prefer working with people who want to do the work and communicate. I hope to meet clients with varied nutrition needs who understand that change takes time.
(346) 517-5716 View (346) 517-5716
Photo of Lisa M Rudi-Davis, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CHC
Lisa M Rudi-Davis
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CHC
Serves Area
Specializing in nutrition counseling specific for weight management, diabetes, heart disease/high blood pressure, disease prevention, digestive issues, healthy meal planning, food cravings/allergies, and athletic performance.
Personalized nutrition tailored to each clients' unique circumstances with a focus on individual preferences, health history, and goals. You will develop a deeper understanding of the food and lifestyle choices that work best for you and make lasting changes that will improve your energy, balance, and health.
Specializing in nutrition counseling specific for weight management, diabetes, heart disease/high blood pressure, disease prevention, digestive issues, healthy meal planning, food cravings/allergies, and athletic performance.
Personalized nutrition tailored to each clients' unique circumstances with a focus on individual preferences, health history, and goals. You will develop a deeper understanding of the food and lifestyle choices that work best for you and make lasting changes that will improve your energy, balance, and health.
(215) 709-8528 View (215) 709-8528
Photo of Stacy Seslowsky - Heal From Food , Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, MS
Heal From Food
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, MS
Jacksonville, FL 32210
I know what it feels like to be frustrated & sad about your physical condition. One pill after another is not the answer. Through 20 years of education and experience in nutrition and functional medicine, I have learned how to find the root cause of imbalance and work together with patients using an online platform to transform and restore good health. Health & weight issues are most often related to gut, hormone, or immune imbalance. A uniquely designed food and lifestyle modification plan can & will change your health status. Do not lose hope. My process works for even the most challenging of cases.- Stacy Seslowsky, RD, LDN, MS
I know what it feels like to be frustrated & sad about your physical condition. One pill after another is not the answer. Through 20 years of education and experience in nutrition and functional medicine, I have learned how to find the root cause of imbalance and work together with patients using an online platform to transform and restore good health. Health & weight issues are most often related to gut, hormone, or immune imbalance. A uniquely designed food and lifestyle modification plan can & will change your health status. Do not lose hope. My process works for even the most challenging of cases.- Stacy Seslowsky, RD, LDN, MS
(904) 899-4955 View (904) 899-4955
Photo of Claire A Carlton - Nourish with Claire & Associates LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Nourish with Claire & Associates LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Serves Area
Are you looking to optimize your health and nutrition in 2024? Do you suffer from poor energy, digestive disturbances (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea), blood sugar imbalances, high cholesterol, autoimmunity or other health concerns? If so, I'd love to guide you in making positive changes to your nutrition and lifestyle to help you reach your health goals. Through my individualized nutrition therapy services, you'll gain confidence in how to appropriately fuel your body. It's my mission to empower you with the nutrition knowledge needed to make LASTING lifestyle changes.
Are you looking to optimize your health and nutrition in 2024? Do you suffer from poor energy, digestive disturbances (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea), blood sugar imbalances, high cholesterol, autoimmunity or other health concerns? If so, I'd love to guide you in making positive changes to your nutrition and lifestyle to help you reach your health goals. Through my individualized nutrition therapy services, you'll gain confidence in how to appropriately fuel your body. It's my mission to empower you with the nutrition knowledge needed to make LASTING lifestyle changes.
(808) 400-9902 View (808) 400-9902
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 Frances Catherine Siver, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, IFNCP
Frances Catherine Siver
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, IFNCP
Struggling with IBS, GERD, IBD, or other gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, belching, and constipation? Tired of frequent headaches, migraines, achy joints and skin rashes? Would you like to finally achieve your goal weight? Do you want feel better and have more energy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I am ready to help you reach your health goals. With my advanced skills and training, I am uniquely qualified to help you in identifying all the factors of your health concerns.
Struggling with IBS, GERD, IBD, or other gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, belching, and constipation? Tired of frequent headaches, migraines, achy joints and skin rashes? Would you like to finally achieve your goal weight? Do you want feel better and have more energy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I am ready to help you reach your health goals. With my advanced skills and training, I am uniquely qualified to help you in identifying all the factors of your health concerns.
(904) 204-0571 View (904) 204-0571
Photo of Jenny Antony, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Jenny Antony
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
She has worked with conditions including weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism.
Specialties Include: Pediatrics, Weight Gain, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Disordered Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Mindful and Intuitive Eating, Cancer, Diabetes, Transplant, Weight Loss, Weight Management, and General Nutrition
She has worked with conditions including weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism.
Specialties Include: Pediatrics, Weight Gain, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Disordered Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Mindful and Intuitive Eating, Cancer, Diabetes, Transplant, Weight Loss, Weight Management, and General Nutrition
(904) 595-9730 View (904) 595-9730
Photo of Carly Leanza, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Carly Leanza
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
Carly provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling and evidenced-based interventions in several areas of health and nutrition, including but not limited to, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart health, and GI management.
Carly loves structure and routine while also embracing creativity to meet each client where they are at. Nutrition is not a "one-size fits all" approach and Carly encourages her clients to be authentically themselves to provide optimal individualized care.
Carly provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling and evidenced-based interventions in several areas of health and nutrition, including but not limited to, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart health, and GI management.
Carly loves structure and routine while also embracing creativity to meet each client where they are at. Nutrition is not a "one-size fits all" approach and Carly encourages her clients to be authentically themselves to provide optimal individualized care.
(405) 267-4939 View (405) 267-4939
Photo of Haleigh Augspols, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Haleigh Augspols
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
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) 779-1450 View (312) 779-1450
Photo of Kristin Paver, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Kristin Paver
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
(205) 880-1640 View (205) 880-1640
Photo of Linda Lockett Brown - CINET Registered Dietitians & Wellness, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
CINET Registered Dietitians & Wellness
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Orange Park, FL 32073
You are an unique individual. Your nutritional needs and lifestyle are unique. After a comprehensive evaluation, we will develop meal plans together that meet your lifestyle. We don't do diets. We show you how to eat. Our clients range in age from 8-80. Our successes include 60 pound weight losses, decreased or eliminated medications, decreased fear of eating. We won't leave you hanging. We are there to support and cheer you on. Services are provided in the office or online. We look forward to helping you be the best that you can be!
You are an unique individual. Your nutritional needs and lifestyle are unique. After a comprehensive evaluation, we will develop meal plans together that meet your lifestyle. We don't do diets. We show you how to eat. Our clients range in age from 8-80. Our successes include 60 pound weight losses, decreased or eliminated medications, decreased fear of eating. We won't leave you hanging. We are there to support and cheer you on. Services are provided in the office or online. We look forward to helping you be the best that you can be!
(904) 569-5423 View (904) 569-5423
Photo of Megan Reynolds - Healthy Helpings Nutrition Services, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CSR, LD, NBC-HWC
Healthy Helpings Nutrition Services
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CSR, LD, NBC-HWC
Jacksonville, FL 32256
I look forward to taking the time with you to help you reach your health and lifestyle goals. I have worked in different areas of nutrition and know how overwhelming it can be to get started with making changes. I hope to help you find reasonable and achievable dietary goals that will help you transform your health.
I look forward to taking the time with you to help you reach your health and lifestyle goals. I have worked in different areas of nutrition and know how overwhelming it can be to get started with making changes. I hope to help you find reasonable and achievable dietary goals that will help you transform your health.
(904) 715-4676 View (904) 715-4676
Photo of Mia O'Brien-Combs, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Mia O'Brien-Combs
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Hi! I'm Mia (she/her). I’m a Registered Dietitian dedicated to providing culturally centered, accessible, and compassionate nutrition care. I am committed to providing HAES-aligned evidence based care that also honors and celebrates your lived experience. I utilize intuitive eating principles and motivational interviewing with an “all foods fit” and gentle nutrition approach.I will work with you from a place of curiosity and together we will develop tools, skills, and knowledge to better understand and nourish your body while working towards your health goals.
Hi! I'm Mia (she/her). I’m a Registered Dietitian dedicated to providing culturally centered, accessible, and compassionate nutrition care. I am committed to providing HAES-aligned evidence based care that also honors and celebrates your lived experience. I utilize intuitive eating principles and motivational interviewing with an “all foods fit” and gentle nutrition approach.I will work with you from a place of curiosity and together we will develop tools, skills, and knowledge to better understand and nourish your body while working towards your health goals.
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
Photo of Demi Evrigenis, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Demi Evrigenis
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialities include: Type 1 Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Digestive Issues, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, High Cholesterol, Weight Management, Heart Health, and High Blood Pressure.
Demi is a registered dietitian who is dedicated to enhancing overall health and wellness. Specializing in aiding those with diabetes, gut health issues, PCOS, as well as renal and thyroid issues using a holistic approach. Beyond evaluating dietary practices, Demi considers lifestyle elements such as sleep, stress, and attitudes towards food. Combining nutritional expertise with empathy, she guides individuals towards improved health journeys. Recognizing the uniqueness of each path, Demi tailors personalized nutrition plans, targeting underlying health issues.
Specialities include: Type 1 Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Digestive Issues, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, High Cholesterol, Weight Management, Heart Health, and High Blood Pressure.
Demi is a registered dietitian who is dedicated to enhancing overall health and wellness. Specializing in aiding those with diabetes, gut health issues, PCOS, as well as renal and thyroid issues using a holistic approach. Beyond evaluating dietary practices, Demi considers lifestyle elements such as sleep, stress, and attitudes towards food. Combining nutritional expertise with empathy, she guides individuals towards improved health journeys. Recognizing the uniqueness of each path, Demi tailors personalized nutrition plans, targeting underlying health issues.
(502) 218-4378 View (502) 218-4378
Photo of Jamese Tanner, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, QMHP, RDN, LD
Jamese Tanner
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, QMHP, RDN, LD
Serves Area
Experienced registered dietitian specializing in diabetes nutrition, weight loss, heart health, gut health & digestive issues (IBS, IBD, GERD), food intolerance support, personalized meal planning, high cholesterol, hypertension, digestive disorders kidney disease, celiac disease, food allergies, weight management, eating disorders,prenatal/postpartum nutrition, PCOS, cancer support, and others.
I am a Registered Dietitian (RD) at ELLAD Preventative, committed to delivering evidence-based, holistic nutrition care tailored to each individual’s needs. As a dietitian, I provide evidence based nutrition counseling grounded in scientific research and focused on helping clients achieve sustainable, realistic improvements in their health and wellbeing. I support individuals across a range of areas including weight management, gastrointestinal health, chronic disease management, women’s health, and healthy eating. My approach combines medical nutrition therapy with practical lifestyle strategies that fit into everyday life.
Experienced registered dietitian specializing in diabetes nutrition, weight loss, heart health, gut health & digestive issues (IBS, IBD, GERD), food intolerance support, personalized meal planning, high cholesterol, hypertension, digestive disorders kidney disease, celiac disease, food allergies, weight management, eating disorders,prenatal/postpartum nutrition, PCOS, cancer support, and others.
I am a Registered Dietitian (RD) at ELLAD Preventative, committed to delivering evidence-based, holistic nutrition care tailored to each individual’s needs. As a dietitian, I provide evidence based nutrition counseling grounded in scientific research and focused on helping clients achieve sustainable, realistic improvements in their health and wellbeing. I support individuals across a range of areas including weight management, gastrointestinal health, chronic disease management, women’s health, and healthy eating. My approach combines medical nutrition therapy with practical lifestyle strategies that fit into everyday life.
(804) 603-9801 View (804) 603-9801
Photo of Megan Byrd, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Megan Byrd
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Megan is a Registered Dietitian who helps clients improve health and wellness through a compassionate, personalized approach. She has experience in PCOS, infertility, prenatal/postpartum nutrition, anti-inflammatory diets, picky eating in children, blood pressure and cholesterol management, cardiovascular health, weight management, diabetes, food sensitivities, vegan/vegetarian diets, and overall wellness. She collaborates with clients to create plans that support their unique health goals.
Megan is a Registered Dietitian who helps clients improve health and wellness through a compassionate, personalized approach. She has experience in PCOS, infertility, prenatal/postpartum nutrition, anti-inflammatory diets, picky eating in children, blood pressure and cholesterol management, cardiovascular health, weight management, diabetes, food sensitivities, vegan/vegetarian diets, and overall wellness. She collaborates with clients to create plans that support their unique health goals.
(346) 572-9634 View (346) 572-9634
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.