Wholehearted Nutrition and Wellness PLLC Blog
Where science meets clarity.
Our blog distills the latest cardiometabolic nutrition research and recommendations into clear, actionable insights. We aim to bridge the gap between complex data and everyday nutritional decisions to support you in making the most healthful next step in your nutrition and wellness journey.
Exciting 2026 ACC/AHA Dyslipidemia Guideline Updates for Nutrition & Exercise Management of Cholesterol disorders
The 2026 ACC/AHA report on the management of dyslipidemia has finally been published with updated guidance for the care and support of those with dyslipidemia, including high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), hypertriglyceridemia, and elevated lipoprotein(a) [1]. The guidelines replace the “2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol”, which has been a staple for dyslipidemia recommendations for the past several years [2]. The new article places a stronger emphasis on nutrition and lifestyle as the foundation of lipid management than in previous guidelines. In this blog post, we review the most important nutrition and physical activity updates, and what they mean for real-life heart health.
Top Five Foods for Improving Heart Health: A Cardiac Registered Dietitians’ Professional Overview
A heart-healthy diet is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease prevention and management. We may know the importance of whole, minimally processed foods to support cardiovascular health and reduce overall disease risk; but, which healthful foods are the one’s we should be focusing on the most for our hearts? Decades of research and leading health organizations consistently highlight certain foods that provide the greatest benefits for heart health. Today, we explore the top five foods recommended for supporting cardiovascular well-being, drawing on the latest scientific evidence.
Nutritional Supplements and Cardiovascular Disease: What Every Patient should Know
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart failure remain among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. While medications, diet, and exercise are the cornerstones of management for these conditions, many patients and clinicians are interested in understanding and exploring the potential role of nutritional supplements in supporting disease prevention and/or management. With a growing number of individuals indicating utilizing nutritional supplements daily in hopes of supporting heart health, it leads one to question is this truly evidence-based practice, or are we all being sold on these supplements by marketing companies? Today we dive into the research and explore certain nutritional supplements touted to support heart health, and what the current guidelines and recommendations suggest.
Caffeine and Cardiology: What your Morning Cup Isn’t Telling You
From morning coffee rituals to energy drinks on the go, caffeine is a daily companion for millions of hard working adults around the world. But as its popularity grows, so do questions about its effects on cardiovascular health. Nothing encapsulates this concern better than the attention brought to caffeinated beverages after two individuals tragically passed following consumption of Panera Bread’s caffeinated Charged Lemonades back in 2023 and 2024. Caffeine, primarily consumed through coffee, tea, and energy drinks, is one of the world’s most popular stimulants. Few people know how much caffeine is considered moderate intake, or even excessive. Its impact on heart disease—both in terms of development and management—has been the subject of extensive research, with findings that are nuanced and sometimes conflicting. Today we will delve into the research to understand how caffeine consumption can impact the heart and how we can utilize this stimulant to best support a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Are High-Protein Dietary Patterns Good For Heart Disease Management and Cardiovascular Health?
High-protein coffee, high-protein cereals, high-protein cookies! It’s hard to walk through the grocery isles these days without seeing every food having a new, higher protein variety. These food marketing strategies reflect the greater social trend of higher protein intake to support health, weight management, and muscle mass. But with the rise of focus on adequate protein intake daily, it leads one to question whether these higher protein recommendations are safe for those with heart disease, or heart health markers such as elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure?
Sodium Restrictions and Recommendations for Heart Failure and Hypertension: What does the Science Say?
Sodium intake is a central focus in managing both heart failure and hypertension, but recent research reveals a nuanced picture. Here’s what patients and clinicians need to know about sodium restriction, its beenfits, and its potential risks.