Father's Day Celebration

One of the best gifts that we all often take for granted at times is health. Make it a commitment this year to focus on your loved one’s health. Heart health in men is a constant, yet vital challenge that requires persistent care.

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of men in the United States.

6-8% of men have coronary heart disease, 50% of men who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no symptoms. If you have no symptoms you still may be at risk for heart disease. 70-89% of sudden cardiac events occur in men.

With risk factors that include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, overweight and obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use. Heart disease in men includes multiple types of condition affecting the structure and function of the heart. Coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, vascular disease, heart valve disease such as aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias.

Heart Muscle Disease

So how can we help our Fathers obtain Heart Health:

• Encourage and help schedule routine checkups – Half of men do not get routine checkups and risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes are missed. Blood pressure starts climbing when a man hits 45 or often times at a younger age. 24% of those with diabetes do not know they have diabetes
• Improve diets – Increase fruits and vegetables, reduce meats and processed foods. Reduce portion size and do not skip meals.
• Exercise – 50% of men do not exercise regularly. Cardiovascular exercise is essential for heart protection. Brisk walking, jogging, biking for a minimum of 30 min a day.
• Stress reduction – chronic stress is a major risk factor. Learn and utilize stress reduction techniques with deep breathing, meditation, relaxation exercises.
• Quit smoking – Tobacco use is a major cause of heart disease. 26.2 million men continue to use tobacco products.