Men usually ignore the symptoms of the disease and do not consult a doctor. Presumably, that is why they are more prevalent for some of the most debilitating diseases and their health condition has deteriorated over the decades. There are differences in the most common causes of health problems faced by men and women due to biological, social and behavioral factors. Men die at a younger age than women and bear a greater burden of disease throughout their lives. They get sick at a young age and have illnesses that last longer than women. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and depression are the top male killers. Dr. Ravish IR, Lead Consultant-Urology, Aster RV Hospital says that men also face male-specific problems such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.Also read – Ground breaking treatment for heart disease: Cells killed by heart attack can be regenerated with hormones
Heart disease
Heart disease comes in many forms. All of its manifestations can lead to serious and fatal complications if it is not taken into account. One in three adult males has some form of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension and stroke are also common in men under 45 years of age. Lifestyle changes and regular medical checkups can help manage heart-related risks, as your doctor can calculate your risk for cardiovascular disease based on a number of risk factors, including cholesterol, blood pressure, and more. Smoking habit. Also read – How are diabetes and heatwave related? Symptoms, prevention, precautions that you need to know
Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in men after heart disease. Skin, prostate, colon and lung cancers are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. The combination of a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups ensures that the disease stays in the bay. Regular sunscreen, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and a reduction in red meat intake all help reduce the risk of cancer. Also read – What is prostate cancer? Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention You need to know
Diabetes
Diabetes usually sets in without showing any signs. It raises blood sugar levels and eventually goes into the urine. Increased urination and thirst are the first visible signs of diabetes. High glucose acts as a slow toxin on blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. For many men there are consequences of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation.
If left untreated, diabetes damages nerves and kidneys, increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, and causes vision problems and blindness. Men with diabetes are also at risk for low testosterone levels and sexual impotence, which in turn can lead to depression or increased anxiety.
Mental health and depression
Depression in men goes unnoticed because the symptoms do not always match their expectations. Men sometimes experience depression as anger or irritability instead of sadness. They are also more likely to sweep these feelings under the pillow.
It is often believed that depression affects women more than men. In fact, it may be a tendency for men to hide feelings of frustration or to present it differently than women. When it comes to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, men are reluctant to seek help, which significantly increases the risk of suicidal behavior. Given the stigma associated with mental health problems, especially in men, it is important to dispel misconceptions and make treatment more available to those in need.
Erectile dysfunction
The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is atherosclerosis, the same condition that causes strokes and heart attacks. In fact, having an ED usually indicates that the blood vessels throughout the body are not in good condition. Erectile dysfunction is considered by doctors to be an early risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although erectile dysfunction is not a life-threatening condition, it indicates a serious health problem.
Erectile dysfunction affects two-thirds of men over the age of 70 and 39 percent of men under the age of 40. Men with erectile dysfunction are less happy and more likely to be depressed.
The bad news is that the average man pays less attention to his health than the average woman. The good news is that men can stay healthy by controlling their lifestyle. Whether it’s eating well, quitting bad habits like smoking, or having regular check-ups, here are some steps you can take to prevent common health problems in men of all ages. Whatever health problems you face, you can control your well-being by taking preventive and proactive measures today.
(With input via IANS)
