MEN AND HEART DISEASE- International Men's Health

Various studies and researches have been able to prove that women outlive men. In fact they are expected to live at least 7 years more than men. More men are living with and dying of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) than women and have more hospital discharges for Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CHD. The prevalence of CHD is higher in men within each age stratum until after 75 years of age, which may contribute to the perception that heart disease is a man’s disease.

The classic risk factors for CVD are the same in women and men, but there are gender differences in the prevalence of risk factors. Dr Bernadine Healy first introduced the concept of the Yentl syndrome in 1991, suggesting gender bias in the management of CHD.

HEART DISEASE AND SEX DIFFERENCES

Reasons for Cardiovascular Disease

There are a number of risk factors that affect the men more than women. The following are few aspects that are reasons for the rising incidences of heart disease in men:

• Diabetes mellitus
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol level
• Smoking
• Sedentary life style
• Stress
• Obesity
• Social isolation
• Unhealthy food habit
• Lack of exercise
• It is important that men take control of their health. Opt for regular cardiac screenings tests, yoga, stress management and ensure that they live a heart healthy life.