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Heart Disease in Men

Heart disease is an umbrella term for several heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart attack. Let’s find out the signs and symptoms specific to men’s heart disease for early detection and treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease in Men

While some men might experience no symptoms at all, here are some common signs and symptoms of heart disease in men to be aware of:

• Chest pain or discomfort: This is often described as a squeezing, pressure, or tightness in the chest. It can also radiate to the shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, or back.
• Shortness of breath: This can occur at rest or during exertion.
• Pain in the arm, jaw, or shoulder: This pain can sometimes be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn.
• Fatigue: This can be a general feeling of tiredness or lack of energy and is occasionally a non-specific sign of heart problems.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: This can be a sign that the heart is not pumping blood effectively to the brain.
• Sweating: This can be a sign of a heart attack, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
• Swollen legs or ankles: This can be a sign of heart failure, a condition in which the heart is not able to pump blood effectively. The blood instead starts to pool.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Men

There are several factors that can raise a man’s risk of heart disease. Some of the most typical ones include:

• Age: As men get older, their risk of heart disease increases (1).
• High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels.
• High cholesterol: High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol can increase the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, and nerves.
• Overweight and obesity: Carrying excess weight can put a strain on the heart.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.
• Physical inactivity: A lack of exercise can increase the risk of heart disease.
• Unhealthy diet: A diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar can increase the risk of heart disease.
• Stress: Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and damage the heart (2).
• Sleep apnea: A sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start during sleep (3).

Ways to Take Care of Your Heart

The good news is that there are many ways to reduce their risk of heart disease and live a longer, healthier life:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can improve heart health for overweight or obese individuals.
• Eat a healthy diet: Choose a diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar. Focus on plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Get regular exercise: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week (4).
• Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease. The best thing you can do for your heart health is to stop smoking.
• Manage stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time with loved ones.
• Control your blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked regularly and take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Control your cholesterol: Have your cholesterol levels checked regularly and take medication as prescribed by your doctor
• Get regular checkups: Schedule regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease. Your heart health can be considerably improved by early detection and treatment.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of heart disease. The Ministry of Health Singapore recommends that men limit their alcohol intake to two standard drinks per day (5).
• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your overall health and has been found to increase your risk of heart disease (6).
• Manage diabetes: If you have diabetes, it is important to manage your blood sugar levels carefully to reduce your risk of heart disease.
• See a doctor if you experience any symptoms: Don’t ignore any symptoms of heart disease and consult a doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your health outcome.

Heart disease is a serious health condition, but it is preventable. By making healthy lifestyle choices and managing your risk factors, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Don’t wait till you have a heart attack to take action. Start taking care of your heart today!

References

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22499900/
2. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-3712-0_9
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11208620/
4. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
5. https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/alcohol-recommended-limits-and-public-education
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29206050/

Men Health Conditions

In our fast-paced lifestyle, it causes us to often neglect our health. But staying informed is essential! Here are some health conditions every man should watch out for.

1. Heart Disease

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men.In Singapore, it is the second leading cause of death among men, accounting for 19.7% of total male deaths in 2022 (1)^. Factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking significantly increase your risk.

Maintaining heart health involves:

• Regular exercise with cardio activities such as brisk walking, jogging or cycling
• A balanced diet with less sugar and salt intake, more leafy greens and healthy fats.
• Routine check-ups

Early detection is key to mitigating these risks! Being proactive can help you live a longer, more energetic life and have a healthy heart.

2. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. From 2017 to 2021, there were 6,912 reported cases of prostate cancer, accounting for 16.8% of all male cancer cases (2). It’s vital to understand the symptoms, which include difficulty urinating, blood in urine, and pelvic discomfort.

To stay proactive:

• Schedule annual screenings for a comprehensive health check
• Staying informed about your family history

These steps can significantly increase early detection and successful treatment rates. If you face any discomfort or symptoms, seek help from your healthcare provider immediately.

3. Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, affecting millions of men worldwide. About one in 10 (9.5%) of Singapore residents aged 18 to 74 years had diabetes mellitus during the period 2019-2020. A higher proportion of males (10.6%) were diabetic compared to females (8.4%) (3).

 It’s essential to watch for symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss.

Managing and preventing diabetes involves:

• Having a proper diet to adopt a healthy lifestyle
• Include regular exercise to your daily routine, like taking the stairs or doing household chores

By consistently following your health plan, individuals can effectively prevent or better manage this condition.

Taking proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle can make a significant difference. Stay informed, get regular check-ups, and don’t ignore symptoms. Addressing these health concerns early can lead to better outcomes and a higher quality of life.

References

1. https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/default-document-library/nphs-2020-survey-report.pdf
2. Cancer Statistics (nccs.com.sg)
3. Singapore Health Facts: Principal Causes of Death