Heart Disease in Men

Heart disease in men is the leading cause of death for males in the United States. The term heart disease is an umbrella term that includes a variety of medical conditions that include heart failure, heart attack and coronary heart disease. Some conditions may go unnoticed until a man suffers a heart attack. Doctors will typically ask a variety of questions that help determine a man's risk of developing the disease.

Diet plays a major role in the prevention and development of heart disease, especially early on when a man is young. Although, diet is also important even after a heart condition has been diagnosed, because it's never too late to manage cholesterol and other risk factors. Hardened or clogged arteries can cause a heart attack or stroke. Arteries can harden or become clogged from fat that is not processed and properly expelled through the body. A diet high in fatty foods is a major contributor to this condition. A person with high cholesterol has an increased risk of developing hardened arteries, which restrict or cut off the blood flow to the heart.

Maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in raw fruits and vegetables and low in fat can help reduce the risk of disease. There are numerous fruits and vegetables that can actually help lower a person's cholesterol, therefore, reducing the amount of fat deposited in the arteries. Doctors may prescribe medication to help get a person's cholesterol and high blood pressure under control.

Regular exercise also plays a role in keeping a healthy heart. A person who exercises regularly is less likely to be overweight. Obesity dramatically increases a person's risk of developing a heart condition. Tobacco also increases a person's risk of heart disease. A person should stop or refrain from using tobacco products as well.