Heart Attacks: What Every Man Needs To Know (736 hits)
No matter how old (or young) you are, the only way to stay on top of your game is to know your heart attack risk factors, and to take the right steps to avoid problems down the road.
(BlackDoctor.org) – Most people are all too familiar with the concept that ignorance is bliss, but there are instances when ignorance can pose itself as a risk. As a case in point, look at the young, fit, African American male who may view a heart attack as something that could never happen to him. Most young adults don't seem to know much about cardiac risk factors, but they rise steadily and sharply with age. This does not eliminate the chance, however, of a bout with heart disease happening as early as in one’s 30s.
The latest findings on heart disease are nothing unexpected: According to Dr. Icilma Fergus, it's leading cause of death in the United States, and the number one killer of American men, claiming a life about every 34 seconds. "The key to understanding why cardio disease is so devasting in the Black community is understanding some of the risk factors in that community," says Dr. Fergus. "Over 58% of Black men are overweight, and 52% of Blacks have an inactive lifestyle, in addition to practicing other unsafe habits, such as a poor diet and smoking." But no matter how old (or young) you are, the only way to stay on top of your game is to know your risk factors and take the right steps to avoid problems down the road.
In Your 20s "There's a common problem among men in their twenties," says Dr. Eric Topol, M.D., a practicing cardiologist at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. "They don't know they're vulnerable [to heart disease]." Your twenties are the perfect time to establish heart-healthy diet and exercise habits that'll extend your expiration date. That means
