Any conversation about men’s health should start with a focus on the pump that keeps every other system running. Without strong, healthy hearts, men will encounter a slew of health issues throughout their entire bodies, as well as symptoms that interfere with their ability to enjoy their lives.
According to the CDC, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among males in the U.S. During this Men’s Health Month, take time to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of potential heart concerns and learn prevention strategies for heart disease. By doing so, you just might save your own life or the life of someone you love.
In general, heart disease hits men harder and earlier, often striking years before it impacts women. For example, the average age of a first heart attack is 65.6 years for men and 72 years for women.
These risks are partially due to higher rates of hypertension, smoking, and stress in men, compounded by a reluctance to seek care. Therefore, some factors that cause heart disease in men are preventable.
Knowing this fact about men’s heart health is critical because early intervention saves lives. Regular checkups and awareness of symptoms like chest pain or fatigue can provide men with time to implement lifestyle changes.
Several different factors can increase your risk of heart disease. If you know what they are, you can take action before they become a bigger problem. Here are a few risk factors to watch for:
If you are experiencing multiple risk factors, work on modifying the behaviors that are within your control. Lifestyle changes are among the best ways to protect your heart health. Regular labs and physicals can also help you understand and mitigate your risks.
Early detection is a game changer for heart disease prevention. Start with annual checkups to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI. If your provider has any specific concerns, they can order advanced diagnostic tests, which may reveal an issue that hasn’t yet caused symptoms.
Don’t skip out on annual checkups. You can also monitor your weight and take your blood pressure at home or at your local pharmacy. The sooner you detect potential issues, the more time you have to seek treatment and make meaningful lifestyle adjustments.
Preventing heart disease starts with your daily routine. You may need to reduce sodium and trans fats. Talk to your doctor about adopting a heart-healthy diet.
The DASH diet is endorsed by the American Heart Association. It focuses on increasing your intake of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish. These are known to help manage blood pressure.
The DASH approach also encourages you to limit:
This plan is easy to follow and leaves room for plenty of variety.
If you are engaging in other behaviors that increase your risk, such as smoking, talk to your provider about stopping. You can also take steps to manage stress, such as engaging in yoga or meditation.
Clinical researchers help improve men’s heart health by testing new treatments and prevention methods. Many research efforts are focused on understanding the underlying causes of heart disease, as well as exploring various interventions.
You hold the key to a healthier heart. Start with small changes: eat better, move more, and manage stress. Don’t ignore warning signs like chest discomfort or shortness of breath — see a doctor right away.
At Orlando Clinical Research Center, we are committed to leading the search for better health. Our state-of-the-art facility specializes in conducting Phase I-IV clinical trials to evaluate emerging treatments and drugs. As part of this commitment, we actively support research that focuses on men’s heart health and disease interventions.
If you are interested in being an active part of the men’s health movement, consider joining a clinical trial at Orlando Clinical Research Center. Contact us to learn more.
