Men have shorter life expectancies than women. While we will all die eventually, there are things we can do to live longer and healthier lives, which improves the overall quality of our lives and our families lives. Show
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2019, 357,761 American men died of heart disease, representing 1 in every 4 male deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men each year. Men are more likely than women to die from most of these causes. Luckily, because many of these causes can be prevented, men can take steps to avoid them by knowing the symptoms, by having regular checkups by a doctor or health care provider and by taking steps to live a healthier life. Number 1 – Heart DiseaseHeart disease is a term that includes many specific heart conditions. According to the CDC, coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attacks, is the most common heart disease in the United States. Other heart conditions include chest pain known as angina, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats known as arrhythmias. About Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)CAD develops when arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed from plaque buildup. Because buildup reduces blood flow and, therefore, oxygen to the heart it can lead to a heart attack. Statistics
Symptoms of Heart AttackAccording to the National Heart Attack Alert Program, major symptoms of a heart attack include:
PreventionSeveral health conditions can lead to heart attacks. These conditions include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Here are some things that you can do to lower your risk of a heart attack.
Number 2 – CancerAccording to CDC, the leading causes of cancer death in men are lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Statistics
SymptomsLung CancerNearly a quarter of people with lung cancer do not have symptoms from advanced cancer when their lung cancer is found. While symptoms may vary, the CDC lists the following as common symptoms:
PreventionWhile there are some people who never smoke and who get lung cancer, the vast majority of those who get lung cancer smoke. One of the best things you can do for your health is to quit smoking. See Smoke-free Illinois under Resources. Prostate CancerThe Prostate Cancer Foundation lists the following symptoms:
PreventionWhile preventing prostate cancer may not be possible, early detection does save lives. Discuss with your doctor whether you should have a prostate cancer screen and look for the symptoms above. Colorectal CancerAccording to CDC, many people with colon cancer have no symptoms in the early stages. Signs and symptoms include:
PreventionWhile colon cancer cannot be prevented, early detection saves lives. Start prevention health screenings at age 45 or earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or have other risk factors. Testicular CancerTesticular cancer occurs more commonly in younger men (age 20 to 54). According to the American Cancer Society, common signs of testicular cancer include:
Overall Cancer Prevention
Number 3 – Unintentional InjuriesUnintentional injuries are simply accidents. Though a leading cause of death for men – and Americans of all ages – many unintentional injuries can be easily prevented. Injuries in this category include, for example, injuries due to falls, fire, and impaired driving. Statistics
PreventionFallsThe CDC recommends the following preventative steps for older adults:
FiresThe CDC identifies a few main risk factors for unintentional injury due to fire.
Number 4 – StrokeA stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted by either a blood clot blocking an artery or a blood vessel breaking. Under these conditions, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. Brain damage from a stroke can lead to a loss of abilities, including speech, movement, and memory. Statistics
SymptomsThe National Stroke Association lists the following as common symptoms of stroke:
Try this easy-to-remember test and “Act F.A.S.T” if you think someone you know is having a stroke: F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange? T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away. PreventionAccording to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, leading risks factors for stroke include:
Number 5 – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Lung Diseases)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term physicians use to refer to two lung diseases – chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The diseases frequently exist together and both are conditions that cause a blockage of airflow that interferes with normal breathing. Statistics
Symptoms
Prevention
Number 6 – DiabetesAccording to the Illinois Department of Public Health, diabetes can refer either to a deficiency of insulin or to the body’s decreased ability to use insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted into energy. The body’s ability to synthesize protein and to store fats also depends on normal levels of insulin. If diabetes is left untreated, glucose and fats remain in the bloodstream and, over time, damage the body’s vital organs and contribute to heart disease. There are two main types of diabetes -- non-insulin dependent (type-2) and insulin dependent (type- 1). Non-insulin dependent diabetes, which usually appears after the age of 40, is the most common type, affecting 90% to 95% of those who have the disease. Insulin-dependent diabetes, or type-1 diabetes, affects the remaining proportion of those with the disease. Although this type of diabetes can occur at any age, it most often appears in childhood or during the teen years. Over a third of people with diabetes do not know they have the disease. This is why diabetes is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.” Statistics
SymptomsAccording to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem harmless. Recent studies indicate early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
PreventionYour risk for type-2 diabetes and heart disease depends on factors that can be managed (modifiable risk factors) and others that are genetic (non-modifiable risk factors). Understanding and managing your risk factors can help you avoid diabetes and heart disease and live a longer, better life. Modifiable Risk Factors
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
Number 7 – Influenza and PneumoniaInfluenzaAccording to the CDC, influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. The flu can cause varying degrees of illness from mild to fatal. The flu is spread from person-to-person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. Some people, such as older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications including death. PreventionThe best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Hand-washing and avoiding others with the flu also may help. PneumoniaThe Mayo Clinic reports that pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs usually caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other organisms. Pneumonia is a particular concern for older adults and people with chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems, but it can also strike young, healthy people. There are many kinds of pneumonia ranging in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia acquired while in the hospital can be particularly virulent and deadly. Although antibiotics can treat some of the most common forms of bacterial pneumonias, antibiotic-resistant strains are a growing problem. For that reason, and because the disease can be very serious, it's best to try to prevent infection in the first place. Statistics
SymptomsThe CDC states the flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of pneumonia may vary with many cases of pneumonia developing suddenly. Symptoms may include:
Infection often follows a cold or the flu, but it can also be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own. PreventionPneumonia is slightly more complicated compared to flu because you usually don't "catch" pneumonia from someone else. Instead, you develop the disease because your immune system is temporarily weakened, often for no known reason. The following suggestions from the Mayo Clinic can help prevent pneumonia:
Number 8 - SuicideAccording to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely than women to commit suicide because they are more likely to use deadlier means, such as firearms. Depression is one of the most important risk factors in suicide. Unfortunately, male depression is under-diagnosed because men are less likely to seek help and because men don’t always develop standard symptoms, such as sadness, but instead are more likely to experience fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, and a loss of interest in work and hobbies. (Mayo Clinic) About DepressionAccording to the Men’s Health Network, depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. In some cases, it can be caused by a deficit of the chemicals in the body that are responsible for maintaining energy. Having a family member with depression also increases your risk and major life crises may make it worse. Fortunately, in most cases, depression is treatable. If you are depressed, be sure to see a doctor right away. Waiting will only make it worse for you and those loved ones around you. (Men’s Health Network) Statistics
SymptomsAccording to the Mayo Clinic, people at risk of suicide may:
PreventionDon’t expect to overcome depression by yourself. It is a disease, not something that you will just “get over.” If you are depressed, talk to your doctor. In an urgent situation, go to a hospital emergency department or crisis center for help. Also, take advice from friends and family members if they are encouraging you to seek help. They are often the first ones to notice. (Mayo Clinic) Also, work to improve your emotional health and well-being. When stress doesn’t go away, it begins to weaken your immune system and increase your risk of developing a number of physical and mental conditions. The Men’s Health Network recommends some lifestyle changes to help you cope:
Number 9 – Kidney DiseaseAccording to the CDC, kidney disease occurs when the kidneys become damaged and lose their ability to filter the blood. Kidney disease most often happens slowly and may go undetected until the kidneys have almost failed. The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. It can also be hereditary. People with these risk factors should get tested for kidney disease on an annual basis. African Americans, American Indians, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics are particularly vulnerable. According to the National Kidney Disease Education Program, if your kidneys stop working completely, your body fills with extra water and waste products. This often leads to seizures or a coma and will ultimately result in death. If your kidneys stop working completely, you will need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation. Statistics
SymptomsBecause kidney disease progresses slowly and may be hard to detect, it is very important to know the symptoms. While kidney disease cannot be cured, your doctors can take steps to help your kidneys last longer if the disease is caught in the early stages. According to Life Options, symptoms to look for include:
The CDC notes that many people do not know they have kidney disease because there may be no symptoms until the kidneys have nearly failed. The only way to find out if you have kidney disease is to have a urine or blood test. PreventionThe Mayo Clinic suggests these preventative measures:
Additionally, according to the CDC, people with diabetes can prevent or slow kidney disease through blood pressure and blood glucose control. People with kidney disease also must maintain low protein and low salt diets, take daily medication, and follow-up with their health care providers.
Number 10 – Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s disease is an incurable, progressive degenerative disease of the brain. It is the most common form of dementia. It is not just memory loss, but also a decline in the ability to think and understand. Consequent changes in personality are accompanied by an inability to function. The type, severity, sequence, and progression of the mental changes vary widely among individuals. Because age is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, the longer people live, the more likely they are to develop the disease. Statistics
SymptomsAn early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can increase the chance of potential benefits from approved medications. It also allows that person to participate in health care, financial, and legal decisions. Symptoms/warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease may include the following:
If several of these symptoms/warning signs are present, the person should be evaluated by a physician. Frequently, the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, which include forgetfulness and loss of concentration, are mistakenly dismissed as normal signs of aging. Additionally, it is important to determine the actual cause of the cognitive symptoms, as they may not be caused by Alzheimer’s disease and many causes, such as depression, drug interaction, thyroid problems, and vitamin deficiencies, are reversible if detected early and treated appropriately. PreventionAccording to the Mayo Clinic, there is no proven way to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. However, they suggest improving your cardiovascular function may help. Suggested steps are:
The CDC also notes that there is some research indicating that doing intellectually challenging activities may help delay the onset of dementia. While there is some controversy about this research, maintaining your mental fitness can’t hurt. ResourcesWhat is the leading cause of death in adults 75 years and older?The major cause of death in the 55-64 age group is cancer followed by heart disease and injury. In the 75+ age group, the leading cause shifts to heart disease, and injury drops below Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cerebrovascular diseases, and pneumonia.
At what age is cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death?About 82 percent of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older. At older ages, women who have heart attacks are more likely than men to die from them within a few weeks. Men have a greater risk of having a heart attack than women do, and they have attacks earlier in life.
What is the leading cause of death in the 75 to 84 and 85 and over age groups?Top 5 leading causes of death in the U.S. (number of deaths in the month), by age, January 2022. What is the leading cause of death for people over 70?This article outlines the top causes of death for adults over the age of 65, starting with the number one cause: heart disease. Using disease prevention strategies, such as eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help you avoid or reduce the impact of some these conditions.
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