Heart disease encompasses a number of conditions that can either directly kill you or lead to serious, potentially fatal complications, such as stroke. Examples of heart disease include:
Although anyone can develop heart disease, men are at increased risk, especially as they age. In fact, men develop heart disease on average 10 years before women do.
Because June is Men’s Health Month, our expert cardiologist, Dr. Ola Akinboboye, wants to remind you that men are at extra risk for heart disease and should take that risk seriously. We offer heart disease screenings, diagnosis, and treatment at our office in Rosedale, Queens, New York.
What should you know about heart disease? Here are facts that every man should know by heart.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before you check your heart’s health. More than half of men in the United States have high blood pressure (AKA hypertension), a symptomless condition that raises your risk for:
Keeping up with annual doctor’s visits ensures your blood pressure is monitored. If your doctor tells you it’s high, it’s time to see a cardiologist so you can manage your pressure and lower your risk for serious complications.
Be realistic about your personal risk by evaluating lifestyle choices and genetic factors that may put you in a higher risk group for heart disease. You’re at increased risk if you:
Your ethnicity can also raise your risk of death from heart disease. From highest risk to lowest are:
Finally, you’re more at risk for heart disease if you have a family history of heart disease.
Although high blood pressure is symptom-free and therefore should be checked regularly, other heart conditions give clear warning signs. Don’t ignore them or brush them off. Signs of heart failure or heart attack include:
If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911. Don’t try to drive to an emergency room; you could lose consciousness. The emergency medical technicians treat you as soon as they arrive and continue treatment during the trip to the hospital to give you the best chance of survival.
Another early warning sign of heart disease is erectile dysfunction (ED). When your cardiovascular system isn’t strong enough to pump sufficient blood into your penis to attain or maintain an erection, you should consult a cardiologist.
If you suspect you have heart disease or have lifestyle or personal factors that put you at risk, see a cardiologist. Depending on your risk factors, symptoms, and personal history, we administer a series of tests — such as stress tests — to evaluate the health of your heart and cardiovascular system.
If we detect abnormalities, we may recommend treatment, such as statins or high blood-pressure medication. For all men, we recommend developing heart-healthy habits that lower your risk, such as:
Don’t leave your heart health to chance: Find out where you stand and how to improve your heart health now by calling us at 718-208-4816 or using our online outreach form today.
