Early Signs of Heart Disease in Men – 5 Best Ways to Prevent It

Early Signs of Heart Disease in Men and Their Prevention

Heart disease has been recognized as a primary cause of death globally. It is of particular concern for men because studies have found that men tend to develop heart disease more often and at a younger age than their female counterparts.

The most common cause of heart disease is a buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart, and can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

Left untreated, this restriction of blood flow to the heart can lead to serious, even fatal, sudden cardiac incidents such as stroke or heart attack. This is why it is imperative that men learn the early warning signs of heart disease and learn what they can do to prevent the development of the condition.

Why Heart Disease is a Significant Health Concern for Men

Heart disease is a killer and a particular health concern for men.

The American Heart Association (AHA) defines “heart disease” as coronary heart disease (including congestive heart failure and diseases of the arteries), hypertension, stroke, and sudden cardiac arrest.

According to AHA:

• “In 2016, coronary heart disease  was the leading cause (43.2%) of deaths attributable to cardiovascular disease in the US, followed by stroke (16.9%), High Blood Pressure (9.8%), Heart Failure (9.3%), diseases of the arteries (3.0%), and other cardiovascular diseases (17.7%).”
• “Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of death, accounting for more than 17.6 million deaths per year in 2016, a number that is expected to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030, according to a 2014 study.”
• “CVD and stroke accounted for 14% of total health expenditures in 2014-2015. This is more than any major diagnostic group.”

Heart disease is a particular health concern for men because studies have found that men are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular conditions than women. This is due to a combination of factors, including hormonal differences, lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and genetic predisposition. 

Studies have found that men are also more likely to develop heart disease at an earlier age than women.

In addition, men may be less likely to seek medical care for heart disease symptoms or to undergo preventative screenings such as cholesterol checks or blood pressure monitoring. This can delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to more severe health outcomes. Therefore, it is important for men to be aware of their risk factors for heart disease and to take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek medical care when necessary.

Early Signs of Heart Disease in Men

Men need to learn the early warning signs of heart disease because studies have shown that it is a leading cause of death in men not only in America but worldwide.

The early warning signs of heart disease in men include the following:

Chest Pain or discomfort – Men may experience discomfort or pain in the chest, which may be caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart. This pain may also radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Shortness of breath – This occurs when the heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Shortness of breath can occur during physical activity or even during rest.

Fatigue – Feeling tired or exhausted without any reason can be a sign of heart disease. The heart has to work harder to pump blood, leading to fatigue.

An irregular heartbeat – An irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia can be a sign of an underlying heart condition.

Edema or swelling – Edema or swelling in the lower extremities, like the feet or ankles, is often an early sign of heart disease in men. This occurs due to a buildup of fluid in the body when the heart is not able to pump blood effectively.

High blood pressure – High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. It is important to monitor blood pressure regularly and take steps to keep it within a healthy range.

While it is imperative that men get to know these early warning signs of heart disease, some men may not experience any symptoms of heart disease until they have a sudden cardiac emergency like a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it is important to undergo regular health check-ups and screening tests to detect any underlying heart conditions as early as possible.

How Can Men Monitor Heart Health and Detect Heart Disease Early?

In addition to learning to recognize the early warning signs of heart disease in men, it’s important to monitor and manage any existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, that can increase the risk of heart disease. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help identify and manage any potential risk factors.

Your physician will monitor your risk factors for heart disease during regular screenings for heart disease that could include:

• Monitoring your blood pressure.
• Monitoring your body weight and body mass index.
• Testing your blood for high cholesterol and triglycerides (lipid panel)
• Testing your blood for sugar (glucose) levels.

What Are the Main Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are the main risk factors for heart disease. Other risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• High “bad” blood cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Lack of exercise
• Low testosterone
• Age
• Family history

How to Reduce These Risk Factors 

Men can reduce or even eliminate all of the above risk factors for heart disease by adopting a “heart-healthy” lifestyle. You can do this by:

• Eating a diet rich in leafy vegetables, whole grains and low in fats
• Get more exercise
• Quit smoking
• Reduce your consumption of alcohol
• Take measures to reduce stress
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Manage your diabetes if you have the condition
• Try to maintain a healthy weight

Five Best Ways to Prevent Heart Disease in Men

1. Eat a heart-healthy diet – A “heart-healthy” diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It’s important to limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, as well as sodium and added sugars.
2. Exercise regularly – Regular physical activity can help prevent heart disease by improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Men should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
3. Lose weight and manage obesity-related conditions – Being overweight or obese is one of the greatest contributing factors to heart disease in men. Maintaining a BMI within the normal range through diet and regular exercise is a key factor in reducing the risk of heart disease in adult males. Maintaining a healthy bodyweight will also help you to better manage other conditions that contribute to heart disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
4. Smoking cessation – Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, as it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries. Quitting smoking or never starting in the first place can help prevent heart disease.
5. Manage stress – Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease by contributing to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi, can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a killer, particularly in men over 40. However, you can minimize your risk of developing heart disease by learning the early warning signs of heart disease, monitoring your heart health, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle as discussed on these pages