Diet Changes That Have a Significant Impact on Your Child's Heart Health

Heart health is largely labeled an adult issue. And although nearly half of all American adults have some type of heart disease, it isn’t just something adults need to think about. Children’s cardiovascular systems can also be affected by diet, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions.

Whether your child is dealing with chest pain, high cholesterol, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), or another cardiac condition, thoughtful dietary changes can make a major difference for their well-being.

Devyani Chowdhury, MD, MHA, and our team at Cardiology Care for Children focus on helping families understand how nutrition supports a child’s developing heart and how to make heart-healthy eating both manageable and enjoyable. Here’s how to get started.

1. Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (like fish, poultry, and eggs) should form the foundation of your child’s diet. These foods provide the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that keep their heart and muscles functioning properly.

Children experiencing chest pain may benefit from a diet that reduces inflammation and promotes muscle recovery, which means minimizing overly processed and fried foods. Fresh produce and whole grains also provide steady energy, which can help prevent some POTS symptoms like fatigue and dizziness.

2. Choose healthy fats instead of saturated or trans fats

A growing child’s body needs fat, and not all fats are “bad” fats. What matters is the type. Encourage your child to get fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil instead of fried foods, butter, and full-fat dairy products.

Healthy fats support cholesterol balance, making this change especially important for children with elevated cholesterol levels. Cooking with olive oil instead of butter or adding a handful of walnuts to oatmeal are small adjustments that can have long-term benefits for heart health.

3. Add more fiber to help control cholesterol

Soluble fiber acts like a natural cleanser for the bloodstream, helping lower “bad” LDL cholesterol. Incorporate foods like oats, beans, apples, berries, and sweet potatoes into your child’s daily meals.

Making smoothies with fruits and spinach, swapping white bread for whole-grain versions, and offering beans as side dishes can easily increase their fiber intake. Over time, these simple changes can reduce cholesterol levels and support overall cardiovascular strength.

4. Prioritize hydration and balanced electrolytes

For children with POTS or those prone to dizziness and low blood pressure, hydration is key. Make sure your child drinks water regularly throughout the day and include electrolyte-rich beverages if recommended by their healthcare team.

Increasing salt intake under medical supervision can also help your child maintain healthy blood volume and circulation. At the same time, encourage them to avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate the body and trigger heart rate changes.

5. Encourage consistent, balanced meals

Skipping meals or eating large, heavy portions can strain the body and lead to fluctuations in blood sugar and energy. Instead, help your child get into the habit of eating smaller, balanced meals that include complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

This approach helps regulate metabolism and provides steady energy for kids managing heart-related symptoms. Preparing nutritious snacks like fruit with nut butter or yogurt with granola can make it easier to maintain these habits throughout the day.

6. Build healthy habits together

The best dietary changes are the ones that last, and there are a few strategies you can try to help make these changes stick. Make healthy eating a family activity. Try cooking new recipes together, letting your child pick colorful produce at the grocery store, or setting aside time for family meals without screens.

These shared experiences make heart-healthy choices feel enjoyable rather than restrictive, helping children build lifelong wellness habits. And no matter your child’s specific diagnosis, the foundation of pediatric heart health starts with education and consistency.

Involving your child in meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking can make them feel empowered to make healthy choices. Encourage them to drink plenty of water, stay active, and enjoy a variety of colorful foods on their plate.

At Cardiology Care for Children, we take a personalized approach to helping families navigate pediatric heart conditions. Dr. Chowdhury and our team work closely with you to design nutrition and lifestyle plans tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Get started by calling to schedule a consultation at one of our clinics in Lancaster, Mifflinburg, and Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and Topeka, Indiana, today.