• Coronary Artery Disease: Plaque builds up in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.

• High Blood Pressure: The heart works too hard to pump blood, which can damage arteries.

• Heart Failure: The heart cannot pump blood well enough.

• Arrhythmia: The heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

• Vascular Disease: Poor blood flow that can also cause Erectile dysfunction as an early warning sign. 

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Chest Discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, or pain in the center or left side of the chest.

• Shortness of Duty/Breath: Trouble catching your breath during normal physical activity.

• Pain in the Upper Body: Discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

• Extreme Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness or dizziness.

• Review full details on About Men and Heart Disease provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Key Risk Factors

• Age: Risk increases as men get older, especially after age 50.

• Lifestyle: Smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and heavy drinking.

• Health Conditions: High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

• Stress: High stress, anger, and anxiety can instantly raise blood pressure and harm arteries. Learn more about Special Heart Risks for Men from Johns Hopkins Medicine. 

Prevention and Action

• Get Screened: Check your blood pressure and cholesterol regularly, starting before age 40.

• Eat Healthy: Follow a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, with less processed food.

• Exercise: Do regular physical activity to strengthen your heart muscle.

• Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to relax and reduce chronic anger or anxiety.

• See a Doctor: Visit a primary care provider annually for wellness checks. Read the Heart Disease Guide by Mayo Clinic to understand full medical causes.

• Check out UnitedHealthcare to assess personal risk factors.

• Read the HonorHealth Guide for unique warning signs.

• Learn more from Cross County Cardiology about risks for men over 50.