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Heart Disease In Men: Know the Risk Factors

Cardio June 2

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease and its associated conditions are the leading cause of death for men in the United States. While this affects both men and women, men are more susceptible to developing coronary artery disease earlier on than women. While some men show no signs of heart disease, there are some signs and risk factors that you can be on the lookout for. At Cardiovascular Institute of the South, we want you to know the risks and prevention methods to protect your heart health.

What Are Common Risk Factors of Heart Disease In Men?

Heart disease is caused by the buildup of plaque in your heart’s arteries. These blockages prevent blood flow and oxygen absorption. This can cause chest pain that radiates into other areas of the upper body. If left untreated, you are at greater risk of suffering a heart attack. Heart disease is responsible for over 350,000 male deaths a year. This is why it is essential to know the risk factors of heart disease in men. Regular doctor’s visits and health screenings can help you stay on top of the symptoms or influences, but here are a few signs to be aware of.

Stress

It’s no secret that our emotional and physical health are linked. Higher stress levels correspond with higher blood pressure. High blood pressure can constrict your blood flow and lead to strain on your heart or an even greater risk of a heart attack. Combat this by limiting your stressful interactions as much as possible. Read a book, exercise, and get plenty of rest. Find ways to relax and lessen your anger and anxiety.

Erectile Dysfunction & Low Testosterone Levels

While they are not always factors of heart disease, low testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction can indicate metabolic or cardiovascular issues. They go hand-in-hand with other symptoms of metabolic syndrome. These include high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and excess belly fat. Staying on top of changes in your body is crucial, especially if they may point towards more serious issues. Making healthy changes or addressing other heart disease risks can help to improve your symptoms before they develop into something worse.

Early Physical Signs

Obesity, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and high cholesterol can all contribute to or point towards developing heart disease. A fluttering in the chest—also called palpitations or heart arrhythmia—is not always a reason for concern, but notice if it accompanies other symptoms. Dizziness, chest pain, or feeling winded may be reasons to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Prevention Tips

Some of these may seem like common knowledge, but it never hurts to keep prevention measures under your belt. Your diet, exercise, and daily habits have a great impact on your heart health. Changing unhealthy lifestyle habits can greatly lower your risk of heart disease or heart attack. Here are a few tips that can help to prevent heart disease:

  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • Fully abstain from smoking cigarettes.
  • Eat a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables.
  • Limit your consumption of sugar, fat, and salt.
  • Exercise regularly to keep your cardiovascular system strong.

Visit Cardiovascular Institute of the South

Are you experiencing symptoms or are you concerned about your risk factors? Cardiovascular Institute of the South is fully equipped to offer the highest standard of care with a wide range of diagnostic testing procedures. Through bloodwork, electrocardiogram testing, stress testing, and more—we can detect complications that may be indicators of heart disease. Ultrasound and imaging technology are also available to monitor blood flow and catch any possible blockages. For men, it is especially important to stay on top of your heart health.  Request an appointment with us today or find a location near you.

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CIS Staff

Written by CIS Staff