Heart Attack and Strokes are Common in Men

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when one or more of the arteries that supply blood to the heart is blocked. This can be caused by buildup of plaque, fatty substances, or clots. If the arteries are completely blocked, this is known as a “total” heart attack. If only a portion of the artery is blocked, this is known as a “partial” heart attack. If the blood flow to the heart is significantly reduced, the heart tissue is starved of oxygen, which can cause damage or death to the tissue. Heart attack is a serious health condition that requires immediate attention. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, you should seek prompt medical attention. Heart attack symptoms include extreme pain or discomfort in the chest, often radiating to the left arm or shoulder. The pain may increase with activity or change location. You may also experience dizziness, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blockage or rupture in a blood vessel (blood clot). It can happen when a blood vessel in your brain bursts or has a weakness that causes it to break open and leak blood into the surrounding brain tissue. There are two main types of stroke: Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. The most common is ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot blocking the blood flow. Hemorrhagic stroke is less common and occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds, causing nearby brain tissue to become damaged. The symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the type, severity, and your general health. A sudden headache, weakness, or numbness in your arm or leg are possible signs of a stroke. There may also be dizziness, trouble speaking, confusion, or trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

The Link Between Stress, Depression and Men’s Health

Men are more vulnerable to depression than women in the general population. Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression, but men who are depressed are less likely than women to seek help for their condition. Men may be less likely to seek help for depression because of the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding the issue, including the idea that men should be “strong” and “unfeeling”. People who are depressed may have physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach aches, as well as cognitive symptoms, such as negative thinking or trouble concentrating.

Smoking and Men’s Health

Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of death. When you smoke, the chemicals in tobacco enter your bloodstream and damage your body. Smoking can affect almost every part of the body, including your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Over time, smoking can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Smoking can also cause many types of cancer, including lung cancer. Smoking can be especially dangerous for men who are also overweight or have diabetes.

Excess Weight and Men’s Health

The number of people who are overweight or obese is increasing worldwide. There is no gender difference when it comes to obesity, but there is a difference when it comes to heart disease. People who are overweight are at an increased risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. One reason is that excess weight leads to high blood pressure in many people. Another reason is that fat tissue produces chemicals that may cause damage to blood vessels.

Conclusion

Heart attack and stroke are common killers. The good news is that almost everyone who has ever had a heart attack or stroke can recover fully and live a long, healthy life with the right treatment. There are many things you can do to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Eating healthy, staying active, managing stress, and not smoking are great ways to protect your heart and cardiovascular system. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, seek prompt medical attention.