Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
It creeps up on you; its cold steely grip slowly clamping your chest like a vice. It's a heart attack and, bad news guys, we are more likely to get them than the female of the species.
Dr. Hafeezul Mohammed, consultant cardiologist quoted studies that have shown that men have higher incidents of heart attacks before age 50 than women, but after menopause the rate is about even. He admitted that scientists still aren't sure why but the modern lifestyle of men doesn't help either.
He pointed out that generally, men's weight and incidents of smoking have increased.
"There have also been poor dietary choices and a greater prevalence of diabetes," he pointed out. He also blamed irregular cholesterol levels and a sedentary (inactive) lifestyle because people are busier in today's world. "For instance, nobody walks to church anymore," he explained. Stress also plays its part.
"Men tend to be more aggressive and driven. Traditionally, men were responsible for looking after the family and that burden adds to stress," he explained. He also pointed out that women are more likely than men to visit the doctor for their discomforts. Procedures like the rectal examination and others perennially turn men off from physicians.
HOW TO AVOID THEM
While being born male cannot be helped there are many things men, (and women too) can do to avoid heart attacks.
"Exercise every day. Park the car further and walk to work. Don't use the elevator; just keep moving all the time," he says. He also pointed to an improvement in dietary choices. For example, less red meat and more fruits and vegetables.
"Try to have four or five helpings of fish a week if you can," he suggested. To illustrate his point, he cites the low heart attack rate in the Mediterranean; where the people perennially eat much seafood and use healthy oils.
On the topic of stress, he advocated change in behaviour. "Stress is not an event; it's how you respond to an event. So relaxation, meditation and yoga are proven to reduce stress. He doesn't recommend tranquillisers as patients might become addicted to them. For those in stressful jobs, he suggested regular vacations (where possible) and basically, just to take things easy.
"You might not be able to change your job so recognise the things that stress you and try to avoid them."
