On average, men develop heart disease about ten years earlier than women do. The positive aspect about signs of heart disease in men is that they often present themselves early. This is why you should be alert for heart disease symptoms, especially if you are male.
One of the most common signs of heart disease that men should watch out for is erectile dysfunction. Once you start having such sexual health issues, you should quickly notify your doctor. Getting the right attention to the problem as early as possible can put you on the road to better overall health. Read on to find out how to know if you have heart problems and how to reduce your risk of heart disease.
How Heart Disease Affects Men
Heart disease is responsible for about 25% of all deaths in men in the United States. In 2019 alone, heart disease killed 357,761 men from all racial and ethnic groups.
For Pacific Islander men, the only other more dangerous disease is cancer. Currently, about one in 13 white men and one in 14 black men are living with coronary heart disease. You will also find that approximately 1 in 17 Hispanic men are affected.
Coronary heart disease is a major cause of sudden death in men. Unfortunately, 50% of the men who die suddenly would have shown no previous symptoms. This means that even though you may not experience the signs of heart disease, the risk is still present.
Risks of Heart Disease in Men
One of the most common risks of heart disease and stroke in men is hypertension. This condition affects at least 40% of all men in America. Apart from hypertension, several other conditions and lifestyle choices can put you at a higher risk of heart disease. For instance, age is one of the more common risk factors. As men grow older, the risk of having damaged or narrowed arteries and a weaker heart muscle increase.
Another risk factor for heart disease in men is genetics. Men who come from a family with a history of heart disease are at a higher risk of getting the disease at some point in life. This risk is even higher if one has a parent who developed heart disease early. For instance, if your father developed heart disease before the age of 55, the risk of you being affected by heart disease is higher as well.
Apart from family history and age, several other things can increase the risk of developing heart disease, such as smoking, poor diet, and high blood cholesterol levels. The nicotine contained in cigarette smoke can cause blood vessels to tighten. Cigarette smoke also contains carbon monoxide, and this gas can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, making them a lot more susceptible to atherosclerosis. This is why smokers are at a higher risk of suffering a heart attack compared to non-smokers.
How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease in Men
You can do several things to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. The first thing you might want to do is to understand the signs of heart disease in men. Apart from that, you must know what factors may increase the risk of heart disease.
For instance, you should regularly monitor your blood pressure because high blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease. This means that you need to get your blood pressure checked regularly so you can make any necessary lifestyle or dietary changes if needed.
Apart from checking your blood pressure regularly, you must also talk to your doctor and determine whether you need to get tested for diabetes. Men with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease.
If you are a smoker, it’s advisable to quit as this will significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. You must also find out from your doctor if it’s necessary to check your levels of cholesterol and triglyceride. In general, it’s a good idea to stay away from foods with high levels of cholesterol. A good diet will go a long way if you’re looking to lower the risk of heart disease. Lastly, you must limit your alcohol intake and avoid drinking more than one drink a day.
How to Know if You Have Heart Problems
As mentioned, it’s crucial to understand heart disease symptoms in men. If you do experience any signs of heart disease, you must visit a doctor as soon as possible. Some of these symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting – often the earliest indicators of heart disease. When you visit your doctor, you should also ask questions like, “what are the signs of a heart attack in men?”
If you visit your doctor regularly, they may be able to catch some of the earlier heart disease symptoms in men. These include heart arrhythmias, which occur when the heart is beating irregularly. Sometimes the heart can also beat too quickly or slowly. Other signs of heart disease include fainting or dizziness, discomfort or pressure in the chest lasting for more than half an hour. Men with heart disease also have difficulties catching their breath after moderate exercise.
When to See a Doctor about Heart Disease
It’s important to seek medical care right away if you notice signs of heart disease. Getting help as early as possible can significantly improve your chances of recovery. When you visit the doctor, ask as many questions about heart disease as possible, such as “what are the signs of a heart attack in men?”
TopLine MD Alliance affiliated doctors are a great resource if you’re trying to find out if you have heart problems. Some of the signs that you should watch out for are chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. If you notice these signs, it is recommended that you call 911 or seek emergency medical help.
The positive fact about heart disease is that it can be easier to treat if it’s detected early. This is why you must always talk to your doctor about your concerns regarding the health of your heart. Your doctor will let you know the necessary steps that you should take to reduce the risk of heart disease. This is especially crucial if you have a family history of heart disease.
Complications of Heart Disease
One of the most common complications of heart disease is heart failure, which occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Another complication of heart disease is a heart attack, which occurs if there is a clot obstructing the flow of blood through a vessel that supplies the heart. Experiencing a heart attack can damage or destroy the heart muscle. This is why it’s crucial to know what are the signs of a heart attack in men so you can get help before things become complicated.
Another complication of heart disease is stroke. This happens when there is a narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain. If those blood vessels end up being blocked, the brain will not receive enough blood, and that causes an ischemic stroke. A stroke should be treated as a medical emergency because brain tissue can start dying within minutes of not receiving blood or oxygen.
Talk to a TopLine MD Affiliated Doctor Today
Heart disease is a common problem that affects thousands of men globally. We hope you learned the risk factors and the methods of prevention with this article.
Have you experienced any signs of heart disease lately? Our experienced, trained doctors have been helping patients with heart disease for years. Contact a TopLine MD affiliated physician if you think your symptoms may be linked to heart disease, or if you’d like to schedule a regular check-up.
The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial or legal ties to any of the affiliated physicians or practice groups.
