Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in men. According to the centres for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease killed over 415,000 men in 2013. That’s why it’s important to know the risk factors and signs of heart disease in men so you can take action early if you notice anything unusual. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about heart disease in men. You’ll learn about common risk factors, warning signs, and what you can do to protect your heart health.
What is heart disease in men?
Heart disease is any condition that affects your heart. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. While you can’t completely avoid heart disease, you can take steps to reduce your risk. If you have heart disease, you have plaque build-up in your arteries. Your arteries are the blood vessels that supply oxygen rich blood to your organs. Heart disease can lead to an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in men, but you can reduce your risk. Start by learning about risk factors, warning signs, and ways to keep your heart healthy.
Risk factors for heart disease in men
There are several risk factors for heart disease in men. These include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. If you have a family history of heart disease, you’re also at a higher risk. You can also be at higher risk if you’re sedentary. Let’s take a look at each of these risk factors in more detail. Smoking damages the blood vessels in your body. That includes the vessels in your heart. When it comes to cigarettes and heart disease, the risks are very clear. - High blood pressure - This is another risk factor that is linked to heart disease. With high blood pressure, the force pushing blood through your arteries is too high. That can damage the blood vessels and put you at greater risk of heart disease. This is the most common risk factor for heart disease. It’s when your arteries become clogged with fats and cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, you have an increased risk of heart disease. If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin. Insulin helps turn sugar into energy. If you have diabetes, you have too much sugar in your blood. This can increase your risk for heart disease.
Warning signs of heart disease in men
Heart disease sometimes has no symptoms, but there are warning signs you can watch out for. If you have any of these warning signs, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. While most of these symptoms are more likely to occur in people over 50, they can happen at any age. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant and get checked out if you notice anything unusual. - Chest pain - This is one of the most common warning signs of heart disease. It can also be a symptom of other health issues. If you have chest pain, it may feel like you’re being squeezed. You may also feel pain in your shoulders, arms, neck, or back. If you suddenly feel out of breath with little or no exertion, it could be a sign of heart disease. You don’t need to be in great shape or have tons of energy to experience fatigue. You can feel tired even if your lifestyle is low-key. If you suddenly feel tired a lot or have unexplained fatigue, it could be a sign of heart disease. If you notice swelling in your legs or feet, it could be a sign of heart disease. Numbness and tingling can also be a sign of heart disease.
How to keep your heart healthy
There are a few things you can do to keep your heart healthy. First, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Studies show that people who get less than six hours per night have an increased risk of heart disease. Diet is another important way to keep your heart healthy. Avoid foods that are high in cholesterol and sodium, and drink plenty of water. Stay active and reduce your stress. You can also take steps to improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for heart disease. That includes making healthy food choices, getting enough exercise, and managing stress. You can also talk to your doctor about cholesterol-lowering medications.
Stay vigilant and get checked out
Heart disease is a serious threat to men of all ages. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent it. Make sure to stay vigilant and get checked out if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. There are several risk factors for heart disease in men. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are just a few examples. Be aware of your heart health and take steps to keep your heart healthy. If you have any of the warning signs of heart disease, make an appointment with your doctor. Early detection and treatment is important to preventing heart disease.