During the month of June many of us focus on men. This is a good time to focus on health conditions that affect men. Heart disease is one of the main disorders that affect men and is a leading cause of sickness and death in men worldwide.
Risk factors for heart disease in men
There are numerous risk factors for developing heart disease. Some cannot be changed – such as family history and genetics – but many can be changed without much effort. Men are encouraged to know their risk factors and then take action if they are at an increased risk of heart disease.
Risk factors for heart disease that you can change
Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for men getting heart disease and stroke. It is estimated that worldwide over thirty percent of men have high blood pressure. In Anguilla this figure is estimated to be even higher.
There are two numbers that are given for a blood pressure reading – a systolic blood pressure and a diastolic blood pressure. The systolic number is usually the number on top (or first) of the diastolic number. If the systolic number is greater than 120, or if the diastolic number is greater than 80, you should visit your doctor and discuss this among other things.
Unfortunately, many men do not visit their doctors regularly and therefore do not know their blood pressure. If you know your blood pressure and it is elevated, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can do to lower it. Medications might be needed in some cases to achieve good control.
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can increase your chances of getting heart disease. Increased physical activity and adherence to a healthy diet help with many things, including your heart. Talk to your doctor about the best way to increase your physical activity and how to change your diet for the better. Losing just 10 percent of your body weight can lower your risk for heart disease.
Cholesterol
If you are over the age of 35, you should have your cholesterol levels checked. Some people should have their cholesterol level checked earlier if they are at a higher risk of having heart disease. High cholesterol levels can be very dangerous and cause heart disease. Cholesterol levels are checked via a simple blood test. Your doctor will be able to help you interpret the results and develop a treatment plan. Lifestyle changes might help reduce high cholesterol levels, but in many men medications are necessary despite some of them having a few side effects.
Smoking
Smoking and long-term exposure to secondhand smoke increase the risk of heart disease especially heart attacks. In some countries significant numbers of men smoke. The incidence in Anguilla is fairly low at this time, but health official are concerned over the slight increase in smokers recently. Fortunately, quitting helps! The increased risk of heart disease goes down as soon as you quit. It is never too late to stop but, more importantly, you should avoid taking up this deadly habit.
Stress
All of us have some stress at some time in our lives and we deal with it successfully. Some of us have extremely stressful situations on a continuous basis and the way we respond to stress is what can increase our risk of a heart attack. There are numerous options for dealing with extreme high levels of stress. Talk to your doctor or some other professional on how to successfully cope with stress.
Illegal drug use
Using stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can trigger a spasm of your coronary arteries (arteries in the heart) that can cause a heart attack. If you are addicted to these drugs seek professional help.
Conclusion
It is never too late to take steps to prevent heart disease. Maintain a healthy weight with a heart-healthy diet, do not smoke, exercise regularly, manage stress and control conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, that can lead to heart disease. Men are encouraged to have regular check-ups and should at least know their blood pressure.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
