Heart diseases refer to a range of conditions that affect the heart. Diseases categorized as such include blood vessel diseases, coronary heart disease, heart rhythm problems, and heart defects. The term heart disease is often used interchangeably with cardiovascular diseases.

1. Symptoms of heart disease

The symptoms of cardiovascular diseases are different in men and women; the common ones include:

• Chest pain, tightness of chest, chest pressure, and chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Pain, numbness, weakness, and coldness in legs or arms due to narrowed blood vessels
• Pain in areas like the jaw, throat, back, and abdomen

2. Causes of heart disease
Different types of heart disease are caused by different health conditions. There are four valves in the heart to control blood flow. Valve malfunction or damage and defects in the cardiac electrical system cause heart diseases like atherosclerosis and arrhythmia. Other leading causes of heart diseases include coronary heart diseases, diabetes, and substance abuse.

3. Prevention of heart disease
In most cases, an unhealthy lifestyle is the cause of heart disease. And making the right proper lifestyle changes helps prevent its occurrence. One of the best ways of preventing heart diseases is the avoidance of certain foods. Following a low-fat and low-sodium diet helps in preventing a range of heart diseases, and there are several foods for you to choose from.

4. Foods to eat for preventing heart disease

The best foods that prevent heart disease include:

• Leafy green fruits
  Including green foods like spinach, collard greens, and kale in your diet helps in preventing heart disease. Green foods are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that prevent heart disease. Regular intake of green leafy vegetables has been shown to lower the chances of heart disease by 16%.
• Whole grains
  Whole grains are a rich source of fiber and nutrients that play a vital role in regulating heart health and blood pressure. When compared to refined grains, whole grains are abundant in fiber that helps reduce cholesterol and reduce the chances of developing heart disease.
• Low-fat protein sources
  Including lean meat, fish, poultry, and low-fat dairy products in your diet can help prevent heart disease. These foods prevent heart disease by cutting down the fat content. Salmon and other fatty fish are superfoods that prevent heart disease.
• Oatmeal
  Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber which helps reduce cholesterol. This tops the list of foods that prevent heart disease.
• Blueberries
  Blueberries and other berries are highly effective in preventing heart disease. Berries are rich in antioxidants that decrease blood pressure and dilate blood vessels.
• Dark chocolate
  Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that help in reducing blood pressure, inflammation and blood clotting.
• Citrus Fruits
  Consumption of citrus fruits lowers the risk of ischemic heart disease.
• Soy products
  Soy products are one of the best foods that prevent heart disease. Products like soy milk and tofu are a great way to add protein to the diet.
• Tomatoes
  Consumption of tomatoes is known to get rid of bad cholesterol that prevents heart disease.