Heart Disease and Men

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men of most racial/ethnic groups in the United States.
• About 1 in 12 (8.7%) White men, 1 in 15 (6.7%) Black men, and 1 in 15 (6.8%) Hispanic men have coronary heart disease. (Table 20-1: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2021 Updateexternal icon)
• Even if you have no symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease.

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Get Your Check-Ups

Just because you may feel fine doesn’t mean you don’t need your annual check-up. Certain diseases and conditions may not have symptoms, so check-ups help diagnose issues early or before they can become a problem. See your doctor or nurse for regular check-ups.

Eat What Counts

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol. Choose healthy snacks.

Be Physically Active

Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles. You don’t have to do it all at once. Spread your activity out during the week, and break it into smaller chunks of time during the day.

Pay Attention to Symptoms

Some medical conditions (such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes) and lifestyle factors (such as an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol or tobacco use) can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Prevention Tips

• Eat a heart healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar . Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or having obesity can increase your risk for heart disease.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends adults engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 2 hours and 30 minutes every week.
• Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease, so if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.
• Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which causes high blood pressure.