The mortality rate has generally been on the rise globally. Health problems like heart disease, cancer, liver disease, influenza, etc., continue their toll on the mass population. While these illnesses have spiked, the COVID-19 pandemic also caused a recently unprecedented death toll.
Despite the general prevalence of these diseases, studies have shown that the most prominent death causes are more commonly found in men than women. This means more men are dying or affected by critical illnesses than women. Statistics have shown that the ratio of disease between men and women converges at older ages, but a middle-aged man is generally more susceptible to fatal infections. This is why male life expectancy is usually less than a woman’s.
This article describes five common health conditions that are more prevalent in men. These health problems need critical care provided on an urgent basis to improve the physical well-being of men.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality among both men and women. However, the Men’s Health Network (MHN) reports that almost twice as many males die from cardiovascular diseases. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that more than one in three adult men suffers from cardiovascular issues. According to AHA, risk factors for cardiovascular diseases include:
- Age
- Male sex
- Family history and race
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Physical inactivity
Heart diseases manifest ten years earlier in a man, contributing to shorter life expectancy. However, they can be avoided by modifying lifestyle choices and dietary habits. Factors leading to heart problems must be regulated and kept under check.
Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among men and women. According to the American Lung Association, more men are diagnosed with lung cancer each year than in previous years. The use of tobacco is the biggest reason for lung cancer.
An innocent “smoker’s cough” can gradually exacerbate into fatal conditions like emphysema, COPD, and lung cancer. Other than smoking, the American Cancer Society enlists the following as potential causative factors:
- Exposure to passive smoke
- Personal history
- Air pollution
- Exposure to asbestos or radon
Giving up tobacco is an instant remedial therapy for such health problems. However, if you have been a smoker for 30 years, a low-dose CT scan is vital to check your lung condition.
Depression
The symptoms of depression in men often go unnoticed as they do not align with typical indicators. Depression can manifest as anger or irritability in men and may be left undiagnosed. The MHN reports that men are four times more likely to be depressed or suicidal than women.
This proportion is barely diagnosed as men are less likely to talk about their emotional and mental well-being. This hesitation arises from societal standards that force a man to toughen up and not communicate about personal problems. Some indications of depression in men include:
- Substance abuse
- Midlife crisis
- Aggression
- Work-burnout
- Risky behavior
Such indications must be noted to help males get the healthcare treatment they require.
Diabetes
According to reports, men suffer a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes at a lower weight than women. Male bodies have more belly fat, contributing to this chronic disease’s development. Diabetes can lead to critical complications like nerve and kidney damage, heart disease and stroke, vision problems, and even blindness. It can also lower testosterone levels and increase the risk of sexual impotence, thereby causing depression and anxiety.
However, diabetes has recently become an area of focus. There has been a lot of emphasis on weight management and dietary changes to promote healthy lifestyles. Check-ups for prediabetes are also getting more common to control risk at its source.
With the prevalence of virtual clinics, it has become easier to manage diabetes through remote monitoring by telemedicine doctors. If you have a family history and want to get a consultation, you can speak to a doctor online for an instant check-up.
Stroke
Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. Even though at a later age, there is no difference between the incidence rate of stroke among men and women, however, at a younger generation, men are 1.25 times more likely to suffer from a stroke incident. A major factor causing a stroke is hypertension. It is crucial to control hypertension to reduce the onset of stroke occurrence. Other than this, risk factors include:
- Age
- Race
- Gender (more common in men till the age of 75)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Substance abuse
Like other illnesses, stroke risk can be largely reduced by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Physical activity and a well-balanced diet can improve an individual’s health and immune system.
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alt text: A man doing yoga outdoors in a peaceful environment
If you are suffering from any sexually transmitted infection or any medical concern related to men’s health, like erectile dysfunction, etc., you can consult virtual doctors at TelMDCare. Delaying a consultation may worsen your health condition. Thus, you must book an appointment soon to get a quick check-up.
TelMDCare is an online clinic that is committed to providing quality healthcare across multiple states in the US. It has a team of expert doctors serving general healthcare and reproductive health among men and women. You can find their range of services on their website.
About the Author
The author is a well-known urologist who has been serving for 15 years. He loves to travel and write about different health issues, particularly among men. The author is a staff member at TelMDCare.
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