Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in Willow Grove, PA

Photo of Olena Zinshtein, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Olena Zinshtein
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Serves Area
Olena Zinshtein, founder of Key Nutrition LLC is a registered dietitian. Olena has been working with a variety of patient populations including but not limited to managing Diabetes, Heart disease, Renal disease, Gastrointestinal disorders, weight loss/gain, and food allergies. Olena works closely with her clients learning what their struggle with food is in order to help them establish a healthy relationship with food. She provides knowledge and tools for a long-term success in achieving client’s goals to fit personal lifestyle, health concerns, and food preferences. Olena practices medical nutrition therapy based on the latest evidence based research.
Olena Zinshtein, founder of Key Nutrition LLC is a registered dietitian. Olena has been working with a variety of patient populations including but not limited to managing Diabetes, Heart disease, Renal disease, Gastrointestinal disorders, weight loss/gain, and food allergies. Olena works closely with her clients learning what their struggle with food is in order to help them establish a healthy relationship with food. She provides knowledge and tools for a long-term success in achieving client’s goals to fit personal lifestyle, health concerns, and food preferences. Olena practices medical nutrition therapy based on the latest evidence based research.
(215) 488-7290 View (215) 488-7290
Photo of Kirsten Puskar - Spring House Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDCES, LDN
Spring House Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDCES, LDN
Serves Area
By improving your diet and lifestyle I am able to help you improve chronic conditions like pain, obesity, diabetes, kidney or heart disease, weight loss or GI issues
Our lives are complex enough, so I make nutrition easy and convenient. I am credentialed to accept payment direct from most health plans. I can help with menu item selection, 10 minute recipes and I look at your whole lifestyle not just food. Scales and calories are misleading - I have better ways to improve your health! Why not call me today?
By improving your diet and lifestyle I am able to help you improve chronic conditions like pain, obesity, diabetes, kidney or heart disease, weight loss or GI issues
Our lives are complex enough, so I make nutrition easy and convenient. I am credentialed to accept payment direct from most health plans. I can help with menu item selection, 10 minute recipes and I look at your whole lifestyle not just food. Scales and calories are misleading - I have better ways to improve your health! Why not call me today?
(215) 717-8581 View (215) 717-8581

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Rosemary Couzens, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, CIC
Rosemary Couzens
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, CIC
Yardley, PA 19067
Nutrition is my mission! As a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Intrinsic Coach, I have dedicated over 20 years to helping people achieve their best health. I enjoy helping my clients work through their struggles with weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, thyroid issues, disordered eating and digestive problems. I now offer integrative functional nutrition therapy and nutrigenomix testing to allow us to dig deeper and get to the root cause of your health issues, in addition to alleviating the symptoms.
Nutrition is my mission! As a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Intrinsic Coach, I have dedicated over 20 years to helping people achieve their best health. I enjoy helping my clients work through their struggles with weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, thyroid issues, disordered eating and digestive problems. I now offer integrative functional nutrition therapy and nutrigenomix testing to allow us to dig deeper and get to the root cause of your health issues, in addition to alleviating the symptoms.
(215) 488-7309 View (215) 488-7309
Photo of Maria Seitz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Maria Seitz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialties include: Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Plant Based Diets, Heart Health, Kidney Health, and General Lifestyle and Nutrition.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Specialties include: Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Plant Based Diets, Heart Health, Kidney Health, and General Lifestyle and Nutrition.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
(872) 259-9747 View (872) 259-9747
Photo of Kelly Bay, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CNS, DC
Kelly Bay
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CNS, DC
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals experiencing complex, chronic health concerns such as gut issues, hormone imbalance, autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, food sensitivities, and low energy or poor sleep. They often feel frustrated by vague symptoms or inconclusive conventional testing and want deeper answers. I use a functional, whole-body approach with in-depth assessment and diagnostic testing to identify root causes. Together, we use personalized nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and education to improve symptoms and restore confidence in their health.
My ideal clients are individuals experiencing complex, chronic health concerns such as gut issues, hormone imbalance, autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, food sensitivities, and low energy or poor sleep. They often feel frustrated by vague symptoms or inconclusive conventional testing and want deeper answers. I use a functional, whole-body approach with in-depth assessment and diagnostic testing to identify root causes. Together, we use personalized nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and education to improve symptoms and restore confidence in their health.
(708) 938-3273 View (708) 938-3273
Photo of Brittany Payton, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Brittany Payton
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
(615) 909-4087 View (615) 909-4087
Photo of Kristen Braconnier, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Kristen Braconnier
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Serves Area
Do you feel completely overwhelmed by the vast amount of nutrition information on the internet? Do you feel frustrated that all of your hardwork isn't revealing the results you want? Have you hit a plateau with your progress? That's exactly how most of my clients feel before we meet! We work together to create a customized plan based on your schedule, lifestyle and goals so you feel that you are reaching your goals week by week! I specialize in sports nutrition, disordered eating, gastrointestinal issues, bariatric surgery, weight management, autoimmune disorders, pediatric nutrition and other medical nutrition therapies.
Do you feel completely overwhelmed by the vast amount of nutrition information on the internet? Do you feel frustrated that all of your hardwork isn't revealing the results you want? Have you hit a plateau with your progress? That's exactly how most of my clients feel before we meet! We work together to create a customized plan based on your schedule, lifestyle and goals so you feel that you are reaching your goals week by week! I specialize in sports nutrition, disordered eating, gastrointestinal issues, bariatric surgery, weight management, autoimmune disorders, pediatric nutrition and other medical nutrition therapies.
(610) 557-3956 View (610) 557-3956
Photo of Genevieve Dooner, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, MS, RYT
Genevieve Dooner
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, MS, RYT
Online Only
Whether you’re navigating weight management, diabetes, heart health, menopause, or simply trying to eat in a more balanced way, I help break nutrition down into simple steps that actually fit your life.
I take time to truly listen to you—your symptoms, struggles, and story. Through an in-depth assessment of your whole-body health, we’ll uncover what’s really going on and develop a plan that you understand. We’ll target root causes and restore balance so you can feel like yourself again- all while eating delicious food.
Whether you’re navigating weight management, diabetes, heart health, menopause, or simply trying to eat in a more balanced way, I help break nutrition down into simple steps that actually fit your life.
I take time to truly listen to you—your symptoms, struggles, and story. Through an in-depth assessment of your whole-body health, we’ll uncover what’s really going on and develop a plan that you understand. We’ll target root causes and restore balance so you can feel like yourself again- all while eating delicious food.
(484) 759-7466 View (484) 759-7466
Photo of Natalie Meltzer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Natalie Meltzer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals managing GI disorders, chronic diseases, or age-related health concerns who want practical, personalized nutrition support. They often feel unsure how to apply nutrition advice in real life and are looking for realistic strategies that fit their needs. I provide individualized, evidence-based care rooted in a “food as medicine” approach. By understanding each client’s goals, we build practical habits and use nutrition to support symptom management, overall health, and long-term well-being.
My ideal clients are individuals managing GI disorders, chronic diseases, or age-related health concerns who want practical, personalized nutrition support. They often feel unsure how to apply nutrition advice in real life and are looking for realistic strategies that fit their needs. I provide individualized, evidence-based care rooted in a “food as medicine” approach. By understanding each client’s goals, we build practical habits and use nutrition to support symptom management, overall health, and long-term well-being.
(708) 419-2485 View (708) 419-2485
Photo of Nicole Ortiz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, MCN
Nicole Ortiz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, MCN
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for disordered eating, eating disorders, gastrointestinal health, diabetes, and overall wellness. They often feel overwhelmed by nutrition information or stuck in restrictive patterns and want a more balanced, sustainable approach. I provide evidence-based, bilingual (English and Spanish) care that is practical and personalized. Together, we focus on building realistic habits, improving health, and creating long-term change in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for disordered eating, eating disorders, gastrointestinal health, diabetes, and overall wellness. They often feel overwhelmed by nutrition information or stuck in restrictive patterns and want a more balanced, sustainable approach. I provide evidence-based, bilingual (English and Spanish) care that is practical and personalized. Together, we focus on building realistic habits, improving health, and creating long-term change in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
(708) 377-9487 View (708) 377-9487
Photo of June Kuz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CLT, IFNCP
June Kuz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CLT, IFNCP
Serves Area
Are you struggling with chronic health issues like obesity, migraines, fatigue, brain fog, or digestive problems like IBS or fibromyalgia? Have you seen multiple health professionals but still feel unwell? You're not alone, and there is hope. Together, we’ll focus on tailored nutrition, lifestyle changes, and sustainable wellness practices that help you feel better, think clearer, and live pain-free. It’s time to take control of your health. Let's work together to achieve your goals and help you feel your best!
Are you struggling with chronic health issues like obesity, migraines, fatigue, brain fog, or digestive problems like IBS or fibromyalgia? Have you seen multiple health professionals but still feel unwell? You're not alone, and there is hope. Together, we’ll focus on tailored nutrition, lifestyle changes, and sustainable wellness practices that help you feel better, think clearer, and live pain-free. It’s time to take control of your health. Let's work together to achieve your goals and help you feel your best!
(610) 298-1482 View (610) 298-1482
Photo of Julie Ann Wilkers - FitFindsBalance, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
FitFindsBalance
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Serves Area
Julie has been practicing as a dietitian for over 15 years. She has a passion for helping clients improve their health by improving their relationship with food. Julie specializes in a non-diet approach to health and wellness. If you are exhausted by the cycle of: diet, weight loss, weight gain, reach out to FItFindsBalance, we can help you on a path to a more healthful lifestyle.
Julie has been practicing as a dietitian for over 15 years. She has a passion for helping clients improve their health by improving their relationship with food. Julie specializes in a non-diet approach to health and wellness. If you are exhausted by the cycle of: diet, weight loss, weight gain, reach out to FItFindsBalance, we can help you on a path to a more healthful lifestyle.
(302) 329-3546 View (302) 329-3546
Photo of Nada Mays, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Nada Mays
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Philadelphia, PA 19134
Providing evidence-based, clinical nutrition counseling to support you in achieving your health goals.
Providing evidence-based, clinical nutrition counseling to support you in achieving your health goals.
(973) 846-9414 View (973) 846-9414
Photo of Anna Grumm, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Anna Grumm
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Anna supports clients with weight management, women’s health, PCOS, diabetes, bariatric nutrition, oncology, celiac disease, GI concerns, emotional eating, food allergies, heart health, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, and sports nutrition.
Anna’s ideal clients are individuals looking for practical, personalized support to improve their health through realistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Many come to her feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. She helps clients build sustainable habits through a supportive, collaborative approach that considers the whole person, including nutrition, mental well-being, physical health, and each client’s unique goals.
Anna supports clients with weight management, women’s health, PCOS, diabetes, bariatric nutrition, oncology, celiac disease, GI concerns, emotional eating, food allergies, heart health, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, and sports nutrition.
Anna’s ideal clients are individuals looking for practical, personalized support to improve their health through realistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Many come to her feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. She helps clients build sustainable habits through a supportive, collaborative approach that considers the whole person, including nutrition, mental well-being, physical health, and each client’s unique goals.
(971) 449-1216 View (971) 449-1216
Photo of Karen Miller Aubert, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDE, LDN
Karen Miller Aubert
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDE, LDN
Lansdale, PA 19446
I have successfully helped many clients achieve better health and wellness, in areas such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, weight management, eating disorders, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
I am a registered dietitian/nutritionist & diabetes educator with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individual clients, families and larger groups. I am a provider for most major insurances including(but not limited to) Aetna, Personal Choice, Keystone, Blue Cross, Cigna, Health Partners and Medicare. I am passionate about working with my clients to help them make life-long changes in their eating habits, tailoring it to their individual lifestyle(s), rather than creating "just another diet plan." I offer daytime, evening and Saturday appointments.
I have successfully helped many clients achieve better health and wellness, in areas such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, weight management, eating disorders, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
I am a registered dietitian/nutritionist & diabetes educator with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individual clients, families and larger groups. I am a provider for most major insurances including(but not limited to) Aetna, Personal Choice, Keystone, Blue Cross, Cigna, Health Partners and Medicare. I am passionate about working with my clients to help them make life-long changes in their eating habits, tailoring it to their individual lifestyle(s), rather than creating "just another diet plan." I offer daytime, evening and Saturday appointments.
(215) 372-8479 View (215) 372-8479
Photo of Lisa M Rudi-Davis, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CHC
Lisa M Rudi-Davis
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CHC
Philadelphia, PA 19145
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 Barbara Heerkens, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LD
Barbara Heerkens
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LD
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Ideal clients are individuals who spend a significant amount of time worrying about their body, weight, and food choices, often feeling trapped in a cycle of restriction, guilt, and frustration. They may believe they'll never achieve their health goals. These clients are ready to explore the diet cycle, challenge misinformation, and develop mindfulness around their thoughts on food, weight, and health. This process helps quiet the constant “food noise” in their minds and fosters greater self-compassion, freedom, and peace with food.
Ideal clients are individuals who spend a significant amount of time worrying about their body, weight, and food choices, often feeling trapped in a cycle of restriction, guilt, and frustration. They may believe they'll never achieve their health goals. These clients are ready to explore the diet cycle, challenge misinformation, and develop mindfulness around their thoughts on food, weight, and health. This process helps quiet the constant “food noise” in their minds and fosters greater self-compassion, freedom, and peace with food.
(785) 377-5964 View (785) 377-5964
Photo of Alexis Bonisese, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS CN
Alexis Bonisese
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS CN
Online Only
Make food fun again. I can imagine that it's been a hot minute since food was fun. You may have symptoms that cause you to consider the pros and cons of any given meal. Perhaps you have this little judgmental voice saying that you "can't" eat this or you "shouldn't" eat that. Or maybe you're just in a rut and downright bored. I can help! Wellness Inspired's purpose is to provide you with an individualized nutrition based approach that best supports your needs and health goals.
Make food fun again. I can imagine that it's been a hot minute since food was fun. You may have symptoms that cause you to consider the pros and cons of any given meal. Perhaps you have this little judgmental voice saying that you "can't" eat this or you "shouldn't" eat that. Or maybe you're just in a rut and downright bored. I can help! Wellness Inspired's purpose is to provide you with an individualized nutrition based approach that best supports your needs and health goals.
(267) 589-8126 View (267) 589-8126
Photo of Pat Dinunzio-Ruth, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Pat Dinunzio-Ruth
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Lansdale, PA 19446
I am a licensed, registered dietitian with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individuals on nutrition. I enjoy working with clients and helping them make life-long changes in their eating habits, addressing not only what foods to eat, but how to eat, when to eat, and why we eat. I have worked successfully with individuals with many different diagnoses, helping them deal with multiple health issues. I enjoy developing an ongoing working relationship with my clients, showing how nutrition can make a positive difference in their lives, as it has in my own.
I am a licensed, registered dietitian with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individuals on nutrition. I enjoy working with clients and helping them make life-long changes in their eating habits, addressing not only what foods to eat, but how to eat, when to eat, and why we eat. I have worked successfully with individuals with many different diagnoses, helping them deal with multiple health issues. I enjoy developing an ongoing working relationship with my clients, showing how nutrition can make a positive difference in their lives, as it has in my own.
(215) 650-3956 View (215) 650-3956
Photo of Anna Velazquez, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Anna Velazquez
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Anna is a Registered Dietitian that practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition. She works collaboratively with clients to set realistic and practical goals reflective of individualized nutrition plans. She believes that balanced nutrition looks differently for everyone, and client’s medical history needs to be considered along with their resources, schedules, and circumstances.
Anna is a Registered Dietitian that practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition. She works collaboratively with clients to set realistic and practical goals reflective of individualized nutrition plans. She believes that balanced nutrition looks differently for everyone, and client’s medical history needs to be considered along with their resources, schedules, and circumstances.
(561) 709-2317 View (561) 709-2317
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.