Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart attack. This is the leading cause of death for men of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. African Americans, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Hispanics, and whites. It killed about 358k men in 2019. That’s roughly about 1 in every 4 male deaths. For Asian American or Pacific Islander men, heart disease is second only to cancer.
Statistics show that 1 in 13 Caucasian men, 1 in 14 African American men, with 1 in 17 Hispanic men are at risk of having coronary heart disease. Half of the men who die suddenly of coronary heart disease experience no previous symptoms. Even if you have no symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease.
Many times, heart disease may be silent and not diagnosed until a man experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia. When these events happen, you should be aware of the symptoms. A heart attack will cause chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath. With Arrhythmia you will feel heart fluttering in the chest, also known as palpitations. Heart failure symptoms are shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins.
Here are the risks that can cause heart disease. In 2013–2016, 47% of men had hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Several other medical conditions, including lifestyle choices can also put men at a higher risk for heart disease. Diabetes, being overweight, obese, unhealthy diet, being physically inactive and excessive alcohol use can also contribute to heart failure.
How can you reduce or prevent your risk of heart disease?
Know your blood pressure. Having uncontrolled blood pressure can result in heart disease. High blood pressure has no symptoms. It’s important to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
Talk to your health care provider about whether you should be tested for diabetes. Having diabetes raises your risk of heart disease.
If you are a smoker, quit smoking. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, find out ways to quit your addiction.
Have lab work done to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Make healthy food choices. Being overweight or obese raises your risk of heart disease.
Limit your alcohol intake to one drink a day.
Lower your stress level and find healthy ways to cope with stress.
If you believe you may be dealing with symptoms of a possible heart attack, we can help. Please feel free to contact us. We look forward to being of service to you.
