Reversing the trend of heart disease in men.
it’s time to get moving
Men suffer from alarming high rates of cardiovascular disease, accounting for roughly 1 out of 4 male deaths. That is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists heart disease as the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Statistically speaking, men die on average five years earlier than their wives. Preventing cardiovascular disease and addressing common risk factors (smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight and obesity) is paramount for men’s health. While there is certainly a genetic component that cannot be overlooked, men’s attitudes towards their health plays as significant role as well. According to Demetrius Porche, DNS, RN, editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Men’s Health. “Men put their health last.” If we are to make any appreciable difference and reverse the statistics in men’s favor, this trend must be reversed.
Research has clearly shown a direct correlation between higher levels of physical activity and a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, a reduction in type 2 (adult onset) diabetes, lower body weight, lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
When it comes to men, there are additional considerations as well.
For instance, men who are physically active are more likely to have normal reproductive health and less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, due to similar underlying risk factors, including low levels of physical activity, research now conclusively connects ED and cardiovascular disease.
This is partially because men who exercise regularly tend to maintain healthier body weight. In addition, increasing levels of overweight and obesity are also associated with lower testosterone levels. Men with decreased testosterone levels are more likely to experience a diminished interest in sex, ED, depression and general lack of energy. Therefore, men who maintain regular moderate activity levels decrease their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, ED and promote healthy testosterone levels.
Cardiovascular disease has also been linked to obesity and obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 (adult onset) diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects the body in that the body can no longer process or is resistant to glucose, or the sugar in your blood. According to the American Diabetes Association, men with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from low testosterone and ED.
Despite all of the above, there is good news. It’s is never too late to change your health status. Regular physical activity can reduce and in some cases reserve the severity of all these risk factors.
Participation in even moderate levels of activity such as walking lower the risk of a wide range of health problems. So, here’s a call to all women. Encourage the men in your life; husbands, fathers, uncles and children to get moving today and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.