Heart Disease and Men

Heart disease is a term that includes several more specific heart conditions. The most common heart disease in the US is coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque. The narrowing and buildup of plaque is called atherosclerosis. Plaque is a mixture of fatty and other substances including cholesterol and other lipids. When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, blood flow to the heart is reduced, which reduces oxygen to the heart muscle. This can lead to a heart attack. Other heart conditions include angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
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Key Facts
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men of most racial/ethnic groups in the United States.
- About 1 in 12 (8.7%) White men, 1 in 15 (6.7%) Black men, and 1 in 15 (6.8%) Hispanic men have coronary heart disease. (Table 21-1. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2022 Update)
- Even if you have no symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease.
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Prevention Tips
- Eat a heart healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar . Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or having obesity can increase your risk for heart disease.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends adults engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 2 hours and 30 minutes every week.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease, so if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.
- Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which causes high blood pressure.