Top 5 foods to avoid for a "Healthy Heart".

As a cardiologist who has treated thousands of patients, I am often asked what foods to eat for a healthy heart.

Of course, you don't have to be a nutritionist to know that a consistent diet of cheeseburgers, donuts, and fries isn't going to benefit you. However, there are a number of popular options that aren't as healthy for your heart as you might think.

Here are five foods I always try to avoid—and what I choose instead:

1) Bread.

Many people are surprised to learn that bread and pastries are some of the biggest contributors to sodium in our diet. High sodium consumption can increase blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

For example, a plain bagel can contain 500 milligrams of sodium, which is about a third of the American Heart Association's recommended daily intake for most adults.

Refined flour in bread can also cause our blood sugar to spike. And remember, just because its brown doesn't make it better.

As for fiber content, I try to look for visible grains and seeds in each slice and aim for at least three grams of fiber per 100 calories.

2) Margarine. 

Too much butter isn't healthy for your heart, but alternatives like margarine aren't always better.

Before the FDA banned partially hydrogenated oils in 2015, margarine was higher in trans fats, which raise "bad" cholesterol and lower "good" cholesterol. Margarine is not automatically good for us.

Many on the market are made from palm oil, which is high in saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol.

Margarine made from olive oil or linseed oil is a better choice. Olive oil contains only a small amount of saturated fat and no trans fat.

3) Skimmed milk. 

Milk and milk products containing milk fat are the main source of saturated fatty acids. And while skim milk may be a better option, I still encourage people to switch it up and try alternatives.

Almond, cashew, and macadamia milks are higher in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, as are soy, hemp, and flax milks.

If you drink milk because it is a good source of calcium, know that calcium can be found in many different foods. Almonds, broccoli, kale, oranges, beans, edamame, figs, and canned salmon are all heart-healthy options that can add more calcium to your diet.

4) Diet soda. 

It may not contain any sugar, but diet soda can still wreak havoc on your biochemistry. Recent studies have revealed that the artificial sweeteners in diet soda can affect the production of important proteins in our intestines that protect against obesity and diabetes.

As a refreshing beverage, I like to have tea, which is full of heart-healthy compounds that help fight inflammation and cell damage. Black and green tea are associated with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

Another great option is a glass of sparkling water with fresh fruit and mint leaves.

5) Granola bars. 

Although this may sound healthy, most granola bars contain much more than just the oats, nuts, and fruit that are typically highlighted on the front of the package.

Many also contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and other counterproductive ingredients like palm oil.

I, much prefer raw nuts as a satisfying snack on their own. When I do eat oats, I usually have oatmeal for breakfast and use dried or fresh fruit as a sweetener.

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas is a cardiologist and founder of Step One Foods. Dr. Trained at the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins, Klodas has published dozens of scientific articles throughout her career, authored the patient book "Slay the Giant: The Power of Prevention in Defeating Heart Disease," and served as the founding editor-in-chief of Cardiosmart.