Heart conditions in men
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Heart Conditions in Men: An Overview
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Heart Disease in Men
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and Hypertension
Coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension are the most prevalent heart conditions among men. A long-term study involving 7,495 men revealed that CHD, either alone or in combination with hypertension, accounted for 58.8% of heart failure cases, while hypertension alone was responsible for 20.3%. Additionally, risk factors such as increasing age, family history of myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, smoking, high body mass index, and alcohol abuse significantly contribute to the development of heart disease in men .
Identifying High-Risk Individuals
A strategy to identify men at high risk of acute myocardial infarction or sudden ischemic death includes factors like cigarette smoking, mean blood pressure, history of ischemic heart disease or diabetes, parental history of heart trouble, and reported angina. This risk score can effectively predict major ischemic heart disease events, making it a valuable tool in general practice for preventive care.
Gendered Experiences and Management of Heart Disease
Masculinity and Health-Seeking Behavior
Men's experiences with heart disease are often influenced by societal norms of masculinity. Many men exhibit stoicism and delay seeking professional help, which can exacerbate their condition. However, some men challenge these norms, indicating a need for a nuanced understanding of how gender influences health behaviors and narratives.
Post-Treatment Health Management
After treatment for ischemic heart disease, men often misinterpret symptoms as signs of aging rather than illness, leading to delays in seeking help. A qualitative study highlighted that men value a functioning body as a sign of health and independence, which can complicate their recognition of disease symptoms and motivation to make lifestyle changes.
Specific Heart Conditions and Treatments
Heart Failure and Testosterone Treatment
Men are more likely to develop heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) compared to women, who are more prone to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Low testosterone levels in men with chronic heart failure (CHF) have been linked to muscle wasting and exercise intolerance. A pilot study suggested that testosterone treatment could improve exercise capacity and symptoms in male CHF patients, highlighting the potential benefits of addressing hormonal imbalances in heart failure management.
Stress and Cardiovascular Responses
Job strain, characterized by high demands and low control, significantly impacts cardiovascular health in middle-aged men. Studies have shown that men under externally paced work conditions exhibit greater stress-related cardiovascular responses, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, compared to those with control over their work pace. This finding underscores the importance of workplace interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Conclusion
Heart conditions in men are influenced by a combination of biological, behavioral, and social factors. Coronary heart disease and hypertension are the most common conditions, with risk factors including age, family history, and lifestyle choices. Gender norms play a significant role in how men experience and manage heart disease, often leading to delayed help-seeking. Identifying high-risk individuals and addressing specific conditions like heart failure through targeted treatments, such as testosterone therapy, can improve outcomes. Additionally, reducing job strain and improving workplace conditions can mitigate stress-related cardiovascular risks. Understanding these multifaceted influences is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for heart disease in men.
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