There’s a reason that heart disease is called the “silent killer.” Oftentimes, people don’t realize they’re at risk until it’s too late. Heart disease is especially prominent in the United States, where it’s currently the leading cause of death. While anyone can experience cardiovascular issues, men have their own unique set of risk factors. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at heart disease and how it impacts men. We’ll also review practical tips designed to prevent heart disease in men and boost overall cardiovascular wellness.
Top Five Risk Factors for Men’s Heart Disease
In 2021, over 600,000 people were diagnosed with heart disease. By recognizing the risk factors, you can determine whether you’re a likely candidate for the condition. Here are the top five risk factors for heart disease in men:
- High blood pressure: Also known as hypertension, this condition occurs when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high. This causes plaque to build up, which blocks your arteries and increases the risk of heart disease. Hypertension is more likely to affect men than women, with over 50% of men experiencing the condition. Oftentimes, high blood pressure doesn’t cause any symptoms, which can make it hard to detect.
- Cholesterol: Our bodies have two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). People with high levels of LDL cholesterol (also known as “bad” cholesterol) are more likely to develop plaque in the arteries. High cholesterol is linked to poor diet, lack of exercise and genetics.
- Smoking: It’s well-known that smoking harms the lungs, but did you know this habit also affects the heart? The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the artery linings and encourage plaque. They also lower the amount of oxygen in your blood, which forces your heart to work harder. Smoking is a bigger risk factor for men than women; studies show that men are 5x more likely to smoke than women.
- Weight/diet: Your diet has a direct effect on heart health. A diet that’s high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt and sugar is more likely to cause plaque. It also increases obesity risk, which is connected to conditions such as hypertension and high blood pressure.
- Inactivity: Men with sedentary lifestyles are more likely to experience heart disease than men who are physically active. Inactivity increases your risk for many conditions, including hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.
Reducing Your Heart Disease Risk
Do you meet any of the risk factors for heart disease? Maybe you don’t meet these factors, but you still want to improve your well-being. Either way, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Maintain a healthy diet: You can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
- Exercise regularly: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity activity every week.
- Limit unhealthy substances: Try to avoid unhealthy habits, such as alcohol consumption and smoking.
In addition to these lifestyle changes, be sure to maintain your regular physical check-ups. During these appointments, your doctor will monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. If necessary, they may recommend consulting a cardiologist.
When to See a Cardiologist
While lifestyle changes can help improve heart health, they’re not always enough. If you’re experiencing symptoms and are concerned about heart disease, consider visiting a cardiologist for more extensive care. At South Tampa Cardiology, we’re dedicated to protecting men’s heart health. We offer a combination of expertise and state-of-the-art technology, including a spotlight cardiovascular CT scanner. This scanner—which is the only one of its kind in Florida—produces highly accurate, clear images of the heart.
By gaining a comprehensive overview of your heart’s condition, we can determine your likelihood of heart disease and devise a prevention plan. Our scanner also uses minimal radiation, which allows us to closely monitor your progress and deliver high-quality, continuous care.
Ready to take the next step in your heart health journey? Schedule an appointment today!