Heart disease is the top cause of death for men in the United States, accounting for one in every four deaths. However, every man has the power to change his chances of succumbing to cardiovascular problems. Lifestyle changes, preventive care, and regular health monitoring will help you understand what’s needed to keep your body healthy so you can enjoy your life and the people you love for a long time.
Understanding Chronic Heart Disease in Men
Chronic heart disease is known to develop in men 10 to 15 years earlier than it develops in women, especially if it is hereditary. There are several risk factors that contribute to the problem:
- Genetics
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
Strategies to Maintain Men’s Heart Health
Preventive and proactive measures are powerful ways to impact men’s heart health. You can work with your doctor and make efforts on your own to create a strong foundation for establishing good heart health. Regular blood pressure checks and bloodwork to monitor cholesterol levels and blood sugar can catch potential issues and early detection is a large part of men’s heart health. With your doctor’s guidance, you can:
- Move: Regular to moderate aerobic exercise
- Eat: Diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- Eat carefully: Diet low in sugar, sodium, and saturated fats
- Chill out: Stress management through meditation, mindfulness, yoga, or therapy
- Minimize vices: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Managing Men’s Heart Health When You Have a Chronic Condition
Some people live with a chronic condition or autoimmune disease that limits mobility or energy. Men who find themselves in this situation, trying to manage health concerns like diabetes, digestive disorders, or aging in general while staying as healthy as possible, is a significant challenge.
Not moving as much as you want can feel like a slippery slope into poor cardiovascular health, but there are ways to develop a manageable routine with the help of your doctor.
- Low-impact exercise. You don’t have to go hard to make a difference. Everything from stretching to gentle walking is a positive heart choice. Our team will determine what you can manage and adjust as needed.
- Nutrition plan. Eating well is essential, but it isn’t easy to change habits without support. From recipes to menu planning to tweaking favorite foods, we can develop heart-healthy eats.
- Meditation. If you’re sitting still anyway, that time can be well-spent in meditation, mindfulness, or relaxation. Sometimes quieting your brain leaves room for other corrections and improvements.
- Blood sugar management. Even if you do not have diabetes, it is possible to develop this condition. Managing blood sugar through a careful diet can help you avoid a diabetes diagnosis.
Get Heart Health Support in Clinton Township
Wherever you stand when it comes to men’s heart health, make an appointment with me, Dr. Jon Swetech, to discuss questions, concerns, or any medical issues on your mind. Schedule an appointment today.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
