Men's Heart Health

Meridian Cardiology Services

Men who experience any of the warning signs of a heart attack should call 911 immediately. Heart attack is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. Knowing the early warning signs of a heart attack is critical for prompt medical attention.

Signs of a Heart Attack

The typical signs of a heart attack in men include:

• Pain spreading to the shoulders neck or arms
• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes
• Chest discomfort, feeling light-headed, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath
• Unusual chest pain, stomach or abdominal pain
• Indigestion or gas-like pain
• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms
• Nausea or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue
• Racing heartbeat, cold sweats or paleness

In many men, the warning signs come and go, or the conditions only present during physical activities such as playing sports or mowing the lawn. If you experience any warning signs, it is a good time to make an appointment with one of our cardiologists for a complete examination. With a series of simple tests and some background information, your physician can determine the best course of treatment and will be able assess your condition.

Risk Factors

The following factors can contribute to the likelihood of having a heart attack:

• High Blood Pressure: Over time, prolonged high blood pressure (> 140/90) can damage arteries that feed your heart its blood supply, contributing to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The risk of high blood pressure increases with age and can also be an inherited problem. Eliminating high sodium foods and obesity will aid in keeping blood pressure down.
• High Cholesterol Levels: Cholesterol accounts for a large part of deposits that can narrow arteries throughout your body, especially the coronary arteries that feed the heart. There is good cholesterol (HDL) and there is bad cholesterol (LDL). The LDL cholesterol is most likely the cause of narrowing arteries contributing to heart disease and is found in foods high in saturated fat. HDL cholesterol helps your body clean up excess cholesterol and lowers your risk for heart disease.
• Cigarette Smoke: Smoking and long-term exposure to smoke causes damage to the interior walls of the arteries, allowing deposits of cholesterol to build up and hamper blood flow. Smoking also increases the formation of blood clots that can cause heart disease.
• Obesity: Obesity raises the risk of heart disease because it is often associated with inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes.
• Diabetes: Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease by speeding atherosclerosis and negatively affecting cholesterol levels.
• Stress: Too much stress can increase your risk for heart disease by raising blood pressure. High stress can also lead to poor self-care — for example eating high-fat foods and not exercising properly.
• Alcohol: Excessive drinking can raise your risk for heart disease by raising your blood pressure and raising certain types of harmful cholesterol levels. Alcohol in moderation, however, can help raise HDL cholesterol levels and help prevent heart disease.
• Family History of Heart Disease: Family genetics may predispose you to increased cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. You are at an increased risk if your siblings, parents or grandparents have had early heart attacks. Unfortunately, we are unable to change our genetic make-up. However, following a healthy lifestyle will help decrease your chances of heart disease.

For more information on determining your risk for heart disease, please visit your family practice physician.