Why Are Men at a Higher Risk Than Women for Heart Disease?

According to Mayo Clinic, more women than men die each year of cardiovascular disease. In fact, heart disease is the primary cause of death in all women older than 65 years. However, the Texas Heart Institute maintains that men have a greater risk of heart disease than do women.

Significance

• Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women.

Considerations

• According to a research study conducted by Dr. Carlos Iribarren of Kaiser Permanente of Northern California in Oakland, individuals with a larger waist are at increased risk for heart disease. Because men are more likely to store fat around their middle, this increases their risk of heart disease.

Warning

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, several risk factors put men at more risk for heart disease because these risk factors are more prevalent in men. These factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, poor diet, cigarette smoking, lack of exercise and alcohol consumption.

Identification

• Symptoms of heart disease include chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, lower body swelling, fatigue and irregular heartbeats. Heart disease may also cause pain, weakness, numbness and coldness of the arms and legs.

Prevention/Solution

• Men can decrease their risk of heart disease by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and managing other health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.