Men's Health: Getting to the Heart of the Matter

NorthShore University Health S ystem Men's Health: Getting to the Heart of the Matter Men, at what age should you start paying attention to your health, particularly your heart health? Now! Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s or 50s, take a more active role in your healthcare today. The experts at NorthShore University HealthSystem explore some surprising men's health facts and figures and share easy, at-home ways to gauge and improve your heart health and wellness. шul ulu Men vs. Women: A Surprising Health Comparison 81% 78% men By age 85, women outnumber men women 63% 59% 2.6:1 28% 19% ш Has a preferred Visited a Visited an location for doctor in the emergency department in the past year healthcare past year Men! It's Time to Take Care of Your Heart The first heart attack occurs, on average, at age 66 for men versus 70 for women. Before age 55, men are far more likely than women to have uncontrolled high blood pressure. 1 in 4 men have some form of heart disease. Under Pressure? Act now! Symptoms of high blood pressure, or hypertension, generally surface only after the disease has damaged vital organs. Normal blood pressure is less than or equal to: 120/80 Systolic (pumping) Diastolic (filling) Normal Prehypertension Hypertension Stage 2 Hypertension 120/80 120/80 – 140/90 140/90 – 160/100 160/100+ Lower Your Blood Pressure: Eat more Eat less Exercise fruits, veggies and saturated fats and sodium. 30 minutes, 4 to 6 days per week. low-fat dairy. Belly Fat Is No Laughing Matter Nearly 3 out of 4 men Belly fat is more common in men than women and begins over the age of 20 are considered earlier in age. Studies have shown fat located in the abdomen to be overweight or obese. breaks down more easily into fatty acids that flow to other areas and organs of the body. Here's what happens: Belly fat creates hormones and inflammatory substances. This increases the production of 'bad' cholesterol The acids flow into the liver and muscles. and triglycerides. These break down into fatty acids. This can lead to diabetes, heart disease and more. Risks also Blood sugar gets out of include high blood pressure, Insulin becomes less effective balance. Fats and clots get stroke and heart attack. into the bloodstream. in controlling blood sugar. Body Mass Index weight in pounds BMI = x 703 Measures body fat based on (height in inches) x (height in inches) height and weight. Normal Overweight Obese Extreme Obesity 19 24 29 40+ Does Your Belly Need a Trim? The ideal circumference: <35" <40" Use a tape measure to measure your waist circumference. Bring the tape measure all the way around your waist, level with your belly button. Make sure it's not too tight and that it's straight. Don't hold your breath while measuring. Sources northshore.org cdc.gov webmd.com scientificamerican.com fasinfat.org