She Magazine FEBRUARY 2017 | Page 32

KEEP AN EYE ON THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE

Research Indicates Men Have More Heart Attacks Than Women

Anil Om , MD
| McLeod Cardiology Associates
Statistics tell us that one in every four male deaths is from heart disease . Of all sudden cardiac events , 70 percent to 90 percent occur in men . These statistics present a straightforward picture of the great risk men face from heart attacks . What remains to be seen is WHY men have more heart attacks than women .
• Testosterone , a hormone found in men , is described in some research as an agent that speeds up calcification , the hardening and thickening of blood vessels . ( On the reverse side , a new study says that using testosterone therapy in elderly men reduced their risk of strokes , heart attacks and death .)
Heart attacks strike both men and women and stand as the leading cause of death for both genders . For years , the gap between heart attacks in men and women was attributed to men working in more stressful situations . Yet , as women established a greater role in the workplace , the gap , though narrower , has remained .
CAUSES
Researchers around the world continue to seek the reason for this difference . Many explanations have been proposed but no definitive answer as yet exists .
• Cholesterol plays a role by clogging the arteries and preventing oxygenated blood from reaching the heart . When the blood flow is blocked , a heart attack occurs .
• Estrogen , the female hormone , gives women an edge . One effect of estrogen is it helps develop “ good ” cholesterol , which protects against heart disease . Of course , when a woman reaches menopause , her estrogen production drops and she loses this advantage .
• Risk Factors -- such as smoking , bad diet , lack of exercise , diabetes and excessive alcohol – all contribute to the heart risk of both men and women . Yet , the other risk factors listed here may increase the impact of these lifestyle decisions on a man ’ s heart .
ACTION YOU CAN TAKE
To reduce your threat of heart attack , control those risks , which you can manage . Lose weight , eat a better diet , exercise regularly , and limit your alcohol consumption .
For guidance on leading a heart healthy lifestyle , talk to your cardiologist or primary care physician .
What are the Signs of a Heart Attack ?
For both men and women , the most common signs of a heart attack are :
• Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest
• Pain or discomfort in the arms , back , neck , jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Feeling faint
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
If you think you are having a heart attack , call 911 . Never attempt to drive yourself to the Emergency Department . Emergency Medical Services staff are trained to begin heart attack treatment right away while enroute to the hospital .
Dr . Anil Om is an Interventional Cardiologist with McLeod Cardiology Associates . Self-referrals are welcome . Appointments with Dr . Om can be made by calling 843-667-1891 .
32 FEBRUARY 2017 SHEMAGAZINE . COM