Despite advances in cardiovascular care, heart disease remains the leading cause of death—driven in large part by lifestyle-related risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. And at the center of it all? Nutrition. Fewer than 10% of U.S. adults meet basic dietary guidelines, and the consequences are showing up in our labs, our energy, and our longevity.

Let’s break down the most effective dietary patterns for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)—from Mediterranean to DASH—and offers practical strategies for cholesterol, blood pressure, and metabolic health.