Atherosclerosis
Men put their health last and they go to the doctor less frequently than women.
Heart Disease and Stroke are the leading cause of Health decline in men.
Cholesterol plaques gradually block the arteries in the heart and brain over time. When a plaque is unstable this forms a blood clot which, blocks the artery and causes a heart attack or stroke.
Atherosclerosis develops earlier in men than women and one in 5 men and women will develop CVD.
Therefore key points are-
Get your cholesterol checked early before 20 years of age.If you have a family history of Heart disease or Stroke get it checked even earlier,as young as pre teenage years.
Check and control your blood pressure and cholesterol (LDL) and sugar levels
If you smoke, stop.
Reduce alcohol consumption (17 standard drinks units is the absolute maximum for men )
Increase your physical activity level to 30 minutes per day, most days of the week.
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less saturated or trans fats.
Recognise any symptoms---
Symptoms that occur with exercise or emotional stress and go away with rest needs to be assessed by a medical professional.Dont delay and assume because you are fit it is not related to the heart.
Chest pain or pressure, nausea, indigestion, or heartburn that aren’t going away – especially if it is accompanied with shortness of breath, sweating, palpitations,or dizziness needs to attend an Accident and emergency or call an urgent ambulance.