In 2021, the CDC estimated that an average of 659,000 people died from heart disease in the U.S. Each year, more than 10 percent of all deaths in the U.S. are attributed to heart disease, which refers to several conditions that affect the heart. This includes coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, heart valve disease and heart failure.
Heart disease is often referred to as the silent killer, because even if a person doesn’t have any symptoms, they can still be at risk for the deadly disease. Recently, the CDC estimated that about half of the men who died suddenly from coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.
This is why physicians stress the importance of men knowing the risks that often contribute to developing heart disease. Certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices can make men more susceptible to heart disease, including diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol use.
Additionally, the importance of making healthy choices like quitting smoking, consuming healthier foods and exercising regularly to reduce chances of heart disease is an important aspect of self-care. With 1 in 4 American deaths attributed to heart disease, early diagnosis combined with preventative care continues to help many men avoid and better manage their heart health.
Heart disease impacts all men
Not surprisingly, with a number of medical conditions associated with heart disease, it’s a leading cause of death for men in the U.S. Heart disease takes aim at all ethnicities and races of men with the same vigor, as it remains the number one killer of men of various backgrounds, including American Indians, African Americans, Hispanics, Alaskan Natives and white populations.Heart disease is often referred to as the silent killer, because even if a person doesn’t have any symptoms, they can still be at risk for the deadly disease. Recently, the CDC estimated that about half of the men who died suddenly from coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.
This is why physicians stress the importance of men knowing the risks that often contribute to developing heart disease. Certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices can make men more susceptible to heart disease, including diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol use.
Reducing risk for heart disease
Men can often reduce their risk of heart disease by making regular appointments with their health care provider. Primary care providers can recommend examinations and screenings to diagnose ailments that can often contribute to heart disease, including blood pressure checks and being tested for diabetes. Discussing cholesterol levels and ways to reduce overall stress levels are additional ways health care providers can provide recommendations to help men avoid heart disease.Additionally, the importance of making healthy choices like quitting smoking, consuming healthier foods and exercising regularly to reduce chances of heart disease is an important aspect of self-care. With 1 in 4 American deaths attributed to heart disease, early diagnosis combined with preventative care continues to help many men avoid and better manage their heart health.