Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in Baltimore, MD

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 Daphene Altema-Johnson - Health Wellness Pact, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, MBA, RDN, LD
Health Wellness Pact
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, MBA, RDN, LD
Serves Area
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 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 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 Adriane Stein Kozlovsky, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Adriane Stein Kozlovsky
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Baltimore, MD 21209
Disorders, Pre-Natal Nutrition, High Cholesterol, Healthy Meal Planning, Anorexia Diabetes, and Heart Disease.
I bring over 30 years of hands-on Medical, Teaching and Research knowledge in Hospital, Medical School, Private Industry, and Non Profit settings. Your Nutritional Health knowledge is no less important as any other Medical knowledge. How, why, when, and what you eat can effect every part of you or your children's bodies, today and into your future. Entrust this vital knowledge with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a regulated healthcare professional credential, who can bring and blend tremendous knowledge and experience, into your personal unique life challenges, gaining the maximum health benefit options for you and your family.
Disorders, Pre-Natal Nutrition, High Cholesterol, Healthy Meal Planning, Anorexia Diabetes, and Heart Disease.
I bring over 30 years of hands-on Medical, Teaching and Research knowledge in Hospital, Medical School, Private Industry, and Non Profit settings. Your Nutritional Health knowledge is no less important as any other Medical knowledge. How, why, when, and what you eat can effect every part of you or your children's bodies, today and into your future. Entrust this vital knowledge with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a regulated healthcare professional credential, who can bring and blend tremendous knowledge and experience, into your personal unique life challenges, gaining the maximum health benefit options for you and your family.
(443) 539-7596 View (443) 539-7596
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 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
Photo of Carlie Beaucejour, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Carlie Beaucejour
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I help my clients and patients prevent and manage diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia through personalized nutrition.
I help my clients and patients prevent and manage diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia through personalized nutrition.
(267) 323-4635 View (267) 323-4635
Photo of Anthony Beard, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CIEC
Anthony Beard
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CIEC
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21225
In a 1995 Nutrition in Medical Science Class, I discovered that statistically, African Americans suffered disproportionately from many chronic diseases. I made it my goal in this life to discover a solution to alter the trajectory of the problem. I now help African-Americans develop a proper relationship with the food they eat by incorporating culture into the recipe of active living, glorious nutrition and wellness!
In a 1995 Nutrition in Medical Science Class, I discovered that statistically, African Americans suffered disproportionately from many chronic diseases. I made it my goal in this life to discover a solution to alter the trajectory of the problem. I now help African-Americans develop a proper relationship with the food they eat by incorporating culture into the recipe of active living, glorious nutrition and wellness!
(216) 666-5361 View (216) 666-5361
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 Ashley Fitzgerald, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN
Ashley Fitzgerald
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN
6 Endorsed
Online Only
I’m a plant-based dietitian and nutritionist specializing in vegan and vegetarian diets. Having lived plant-based and gluten-free for over ten years, I understand both the benefits and the challenges of this lifestyle. Through personalized Zoom consultations, I provide support ranging from nutrition counseling to custom meal plans. My services cover weight management, balanced eating, meal prep strategies, and more specific areas such as sports nutrition, digestive health, pregnancy, and menopause. Every consultation is tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and needs so that you can save time and feel confident in your choices.
I’m a plant-based dietitian and nutritionist specializing in vegan and vegetarian diets. Having lived plant-based and gluten-free for over ten years, I understand both the benefits and the challenges of this lifestyle. Through personalized Zoom consultations, I provide support ranging from nutrition counseling to custom meal plans. My services cover weight management, balanced eating, meal prep strategies, and more specific areas such as sports nutrition, digestive health, pregnancy, and menopause. Every consultation is tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and needs so that you can save time and feel confident in your choices.
(832) 653-9698 View (832) 653-9698
Photo of Manal Qadeer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Manal Qadeer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Manal Qadeer, MS, RD, LDN is a trauma-informed registered dietitian who helps clients heal their relationship with food and their bodies through a compassionate, collaborative approach. With over six years of experience in both nutrition and mental health settings, she specializes in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and the emotional side of nourishment. Manal’s philosophy is grounded in Health at Every Size, All Foods Fit, and the belief that every body is a good body. She creates a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel truly heard, understood, and empowered to move at your own pace tow
Manal Qadeer, MS, RD, LDN is a trauma-informed registered dietitian who helps clients heal their relationship with food and their bodies through a compassionate, collaborative approach. With over six years of experience in both nutrition and mental health settings, she specializes in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and the emotional side of nourishment. Manal’s philosophy is grounded in Health at Every Size, All Foods Fit, and the belief that every body is a good body. She creates a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel truly heard, understood, and empowered to move at your own pace tow
(470) 450-6050 View (470) 450-6050
Photo of Rachel Brown, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Rachel Brown
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialize in weight management, diabetes, heart health, general wellness, and tube feeding.
Are you having trouble managing your weight or your chronic disease? Have restrictive diets taken away the joy of eating? I can help you meet your goals and heal your relationship with food!
I specialize in weight management, diabetes, heart health, general wellness, and tube feeding.
Are you having trouble managing your weight or your chronic disease? Have restrictive diets taken away the joy of eating? I can help you meet your goals and heal your relationship with food!
(240) 698-2904 View (240) 698-2904
Photo of Sharon Ona - Sharon Ona , Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
Sharon Ona
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
Online Only
Are you ready to stop feeling tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed with brain fog, low energy, and difficulty following through with ADHD, or blood sugar ups and downs, weight struggles, and concerning labs tied to cardiometabolic health? You don’t have to figure this out alone. As a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) I use a functional medicine approach to help you develop sustainable diet and lifestyle changes so you can feel your best. Through personalized 1:1 counseling, you’ll receive science-based strategies, practical tools, and accountability to help you improve energy, regulate blood sugar, and feel more in control.
Are you ready to stop feeling tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed with brain fog, low energy, and difficulty following through with ADHD, or blood sugar ups and downs, weight struggles, and concerning labs tied to cardiometabolic health? You don’t have to figure this out alone. As a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) I use a functional medicine approach to help you develop sustainable diet and lifestyle changes so you can feel your best. Through personalized 1:1 counseling, you’ll receive science-based strategies, practical tools, and accountability to help you improve energy, regulate blood sugar, and feel more in control.
(503) 213-6432 View (503) 213-6432
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 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 Stacy O'Brien, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CLT
Stacy O'Brien
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CLT
Online Only
There is no time like the present to work on weight loss, heart health, pre-diabetes, overall wellness.
SIBO, IBS, Celiac Disease, food sensitivities, pre-diabetes, weight loss, high cholesterol, and lowering inflammation are all nutrition related! I take a personalized approach to nutrition and tailor recommendations to you. I will work hard to improve your health and help you meet your goals. As an integrative RD, I look at you as a whole person. I'll ask you about not only diet, but also sleep, stress, other lifestyle factors, labs, all of your symptoms, etc. My goal is to fully understand your health and your needs so that we can work towards your goals.
There is no time like the present to work on weight loss, heart health, pre-diabetes, overall wellness.
SIBO, IBS, Celiac Disease, food sensitivities, pre-diabetes, weight loss, high cholesterol, and lowering inflammation are all nutrition related! I take a personalized approach to nutrition and tailor recommendations to you. I will work hard to improve your health and help you meet your goals. As an integrative RD, I look at you as a whole person. I'll ask you about not only diet, but also sleep, stress, other lifestyle factors, labs, all of your symptoms, etc. My goal is to fully understand your health and your needs so that we can work towards your goals.
(973) 840-8578 View (973) 840-8578
Photo of Kristin Jenkins, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Kristin Jenkins
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
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
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.