9 Key Dietary Steps to Improve Heart Health, AHA Guidance 2026

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 11% of U.S. adults currently have some type of cardiovascular disease .

The AHA projects that number will climb to roughly 1 in 6 U.S. adults by 2050, noting that a poor diet plays a central role.

Evidence suggests that more than half of American adults and children follow an unhealthy dietary pattern. These dietary choices can contribute to higher rates of health factors, such as hypertension , obesity , and diabetes , which lead directly to poorer health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.

A new AHA statement highlights 9 key dietary steps that could help people reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Published in Circulation , the updated 2026 dietary guidance reinforces the importance of maintaining a healthy eating pattern across the life span, with a focus on whole foods, plant-based proteins, and minimizing ultraprocessed products.

The updated recommendations build on previous 2021 guidance, incorporating stronger scientific evidence while maintaining a consistent overall message of promoting sustainable, long-term eating habits rather than short-term fixes.