One of the leading causes of death worldwide is cardiovascular disease, sometimes known as heart disease. There are notable gender inequalities in its prevalence and impact, although it affects both men and women. The top 5 points concerning men’s cardiovascular disease percentage that you should be aware of are covered in this post. It is essential to comprehend these numbers to encourage men to lead heart-healthy lives and lessen the impact of cardiovascular disease.
Fact 1: Cardiovascular disease is more common among men.
We must start by addressing the reality that men are more likely than women to suffer from cardiovascular disease. Men are more likely than women to develop heart disease over their lifetimes, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Hormonal variations are partly to blame for this higher risk, with estrogen providing some cardiovascular protection for women.
According to statistics, men often have heart disease in their mid-40s to mid-60s, whereas women are more likely to experience it in their mid-60s to mid-80s. However, after menopause, the risk increases for women; thus, they must actively approach heart health.
Fact 2: Men have higher mortality rates
Men are more likely than women to acquire cardiovascular disease, which is also connected with more excellent mortality rates in men. In almost every nation, males die from heart disease at a higher rate than women, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data.
The fact that males are typically less proactive in seeking medical attention and postpone diagnosis and treatment is one factor contributing to this gender difference. Additionally, men are more likely than women to have risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, and hypertension. These elements contribute to the higher mortality rates for males with cardiovascular disease.
Fact 3: Men Are Less Likely to Recognize Symptoms
Men are less likely to notice the heart disease warning symptoms, which might cause treatment to be delayed and result in worse outcomes. Men may be less aware of or pay less attention to common heart attack symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, and arm pain.
According to studies, men frequently downplay or ascribe their symptoms to other reasons, which can be risky. Men’s cardiovascular health must improve by increasing awareness of heart disease signs and promoting early medical intervention.
Fact 4: Lifestyle Decisions Have a Big Impact
Regarding the emergence of cardiovascular disease in men, lifestyle decisions are crucial. Sedentary behavior, a diet high in processed foods and saturated fats, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol are all known risk factors for heart disease.
Men are more likely than women to engage in habits like smoking and binge drinking, which dramatically raise their risk of heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Men can help reduce this risk by adopting healthier behaviors, such as frequent exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking.
Fact 5: Family history and genetics are important
Although lifestyle decisions are essential, genetics and family history can significantly impact a man’s risk of cardiovascular disease. A man’s risk is increased if he has close relatives, like a father or brother, who experienced heart disease at a young age (before 55).
Discussing one’s family history with a healthcare professional to customize a preventive plan and screening suggestions can be beneficial. Conditions like excessive cholesterol or hypertension, which can raise the risk of heart disease, can be influenced by genetic factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, men are more likely than women to develop cardiovascular disease, and men also have higher mortality rates. Recognizing these gender-specific traits and the risk factors they are accompanied by is crucial for preventing and treating heart disease in guys. We can make significant progress in lowering the prevalence of cardiovascular disease among men and enhancing their general heart health by encouraging better lifestyles, raising awareness of symptoms, and addressing genetic predispositions. Having this knowledge can help save lives since, as they say, “knowledge is power.”
