Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease in Men

In 2019, heart disease was the leading cause of death for men in America, killing about 357,761 men (one in four). Additionally, about 7.7% of white men, 7.1% of black men, and 5.9% of Hispanic men have coronary heart disease.

Many factors, including pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle, age, and family history, can contribute to a man’s risk for heart disease. Most of these factors can be controlled, so it’s important that men understand how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a term that refers to many types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, a condition that affects blood flow to the heart. Most heart conditions can occur when there is a significant decrease in blood flow to the heart or when there are blockages in the blood valves connected to the heart.

What are the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy heart?

Even if you have not experienced symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart diseases. Some heart disease symptoms may not be diagnosed until after someone experiences a heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmia. Even though it may be difficult to diagnose heart conditions before they occur, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease so you can be prepared for the future. Some symptoms may include:

Heart Attack: chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, upper body discomfort, dizziness, shortness of breath, and extreme fatigue.
Arrhythmia: fluttering feelings or palpitations in the chest that change your heart’s rhythm.
Heart Failure: fatigue, shortness of breath, or swelling of feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or veins in the neck.

What are some risk factors that can cause heart disease?

Many risk factors and lifestyle choices can put you at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. Some of these factors include:

- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Overweight or Obesity
- Unhealthy Diet
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption

In addition, studies from John Hopkins Medicine have recently shown that depression can also be a negative contributing factor to men’s heart health. According to their findings, people with depression, who have not had any previous heart conditions, may develop heart disease at a higher rate than the others less susceptible to depression. They also list erectile dysfunction and low testosterone as risk factors specific to men.

How can men improve their heart health?

There are many things men can do to improve their health. Men can prevent heart disease in the following ways:

Eat a balanced diet of healthy foods
Get active
Stay at a healthy weight
Quit smoking for good
Control your blood pressure and cholesterol
Drink alcohol in moderation
Manage your stress levels through meditation or breathing exercises

Contact your Cardiologist

If you have a history of heart-related conditions in your family, visit your cardiologist, who can provide medical expertise regarding any potential risks for your heart health. Your cardiologist can also provide a list of services to monitor your current heart health status. Some of these services may include: