Office Visit: The Heart of the Matter

Office Visit: The Heart of the Matter

By Todd Hoffman, M.D.

As men, our attention often centers on what surrounds us. We focus on our spouse, kids and other loved ones. Our own health and wellness may not be high on our list of priorities, but it's vitally important, particularly as we age.

June is Men's Health Month and a good time to remind you or the men in your life to check in with their doctor about heart disease.

Several types of heart conditions are classified as heart disease, including coronary artery disease and heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men in the U.S. and accounted for nearly 1 of every 4 male deaths in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The good news is there are ways for men to reduce their chances of getting heart disease. Here are a few tips:

• Check your blood pressure - Because there are often no warning signs, men may have high blood pressure and don't know it. Uncontrolled blood pressure can turn into heart disease.
• Understand your risk for diabetes - Diabetes raises your risk for heart disease, so talk to your health care provider about your risk.
• Monitor cholesterol and triglyceride levels - Discuss this with your health care provider as well. Keeping both in check can reduce your heart disease chances.
• Maintain a healthy weight - Men who are overweight/obese are more susceptible, too.
• Lower your stress level - Finding healthy ways to cope with stress can help lower your risk.

There is no better time to focus our health than during Men's Health Month.

Let's make it a good month.

Todd Hoffman, M.D., C.P.E., is chief medical officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a division of Health Care Service Corp., a Mutual Legal Reserve Company.

Men may not report any prior signs before having a heart disease-related episode, but some possible symptoms include:

• Heart attack - Chest pain or discomfort or pain in the upper back or neck. Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness and/or shortness of breath.
• Arrhythmia - Fluttering in the chest, also known as heart palpitations.
• Heart failure - Shortness of breath, fatigue or swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen or neck veins.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease. Men can be at a higher risk for heart disease depending on their other medical conditions and lifestyle choices, including diabetes, overweight/obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol or substance misuse.