Men’s Health
Cardiovascular Disease in Men
Heart disease affects millions of men in the U.S., but it is preventable and treatable. Our specialists provide leading-edge therapies that work for your health needs.
Medically reviewed by Jason Rogers, M.D. on June 04, 2025.
Specialists Ready to Work with You to Treat Heart Disease
Our specialists are here to help you prevent and treat heart disease so you can live a healthy life. We collaborate closely across departments to give you all of the cardiovascular services you need in one place. Our integrated approach means every step of your heart care, from diagnosis to treatment, is as seamless as possible.
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What Is Cardiovascular Disease in Men?
Cardiovascular disease, commonly called heart disease, is a group of conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. The most common types of heart disease that affect men include:
- Aortic aneurysm, a weakened area in your aorta
- Arrhythmias, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Coronary artery disease, a buildup of plaque in the arteries that lead to your heart
- Heart attack, blockage of blood flow to your heart
- Heart failure, when your heart cannot pump enough blood for your body’s needs
- Peripheral artery disease, a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to your arms and legs
- Stroke, loss of blood flow to the brain
Men’s Cardiovascular Disease Symptoms
Cardiovascular disease doesn’t always cause symptoms, so seeing a doctor for regular screenings is essential. Men also tend to have different symptoms than women.
Common Symptoms
Heart disease can cause a range of symptoms depending on your age, health history, and the type of heart problem. In the earlier stages of heart disease, you may notice mild symptoms, such as:
- Chest or neck pain with activity
- Coughing that doesn’t go away
- Rapid or fluttering heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Emergency Symptoms
Emergency Symptoms
Symptoms that are severe or that don’t go away with rest may be a sign of a medical emergency, including a heart attack, stroke, or severe arrhythmia. Men should seek immediate medical treatment if they notice:
- Blurred or double vision
- Chest pain or tightness while resting
- Cold sweats
- Confusion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Feeling of pressure or squeezing in the chest
- Slurred speech or trouble speaking
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
Men’s Heart Disease Risk Factors
Many different factors increase a man’s risk of developing heart disease. Our team is here to help you understand your risk so you can make empowered decisions about your health. Risk factors include:
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the most common risk factor for heart disease in men, affecting half of the male population.
Diabetes
Diabetes and heart disease have a close connection. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can damage your heart and blood vessels over time, leading to heart disease.
Diet
Eating a diet high in saturated or trans-fat, cholesterol, sodium and processed foods raises the risk of cardiovascular disease in men.
Excess Alcohol Use
Men who regularly drink more than two drinks per day are more likely to develop heart disease.
High Cholesterol
Having high levels of total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can lead to heart disease.
Overweight or Obesity
Having excess pounds can raise your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and other factors that can lead to heart disease in men.
Physical Inactivity
Not getting enough exercise increases a man’s risk of cardiovascular disease.
Smoking
Smoking damages your heart and blood vessels, making it a major cause of cardiovascular disease in men.
Diagnosis and Testing for Men’s Cardiovascular Disease
Many different tests can detect signs of heart disease in men. The specific tests you need depend on your age, medical history, and symptoms.
Facing a possible diagnosis of heart disease can be stressful, but we’re here to help. Our compassionate team provides the latest tests and offers helpful guidance so you can boost your heart health. Your testing may include:
Blood Tests
Blood tests can detect risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, blood sugar or certain inflammation markers.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests like an echocardiogram, cardiac MRI or a coronary calcium scan can reveal potential blockages or abnormalities.
Cardiovascular Disease Treatment for Men
Cardiovascular disease affects each man differently, so your treatment needs to be personalized for you. Our specialists consider your health goals and medical needs before creating a customized treatment plan. You are involved in the decision-making process, so you can take charge of your health and get on the path to healing. Treatment options include:
Lifestyle Changes
A heart-healthy diet, exercise and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can significantly improve your heart health. We provide helpful support and guidance as you make these positive changes.
Medications
Some men benefit from medicines that lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar. Our team recommends medications that work best for your medical needs while minimizing side effects.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Many heart conditions benefit from catheter procedures such as angioplasty, heart catheter ablation and endovascular therapy that require only a small incision. Our heart and vascular specialists are skilled in the latest procedures that get you back on your feet sooner.
Heart Surgery
Surgery may be the best option if other treatments aren’t right for you. Our skilled heart and vascular surgeons are highly experienced in the latest heart surgery techniques, so you can be confident you’re receiving expert care.
How Men Can Prevent Heart Disease
Many types of heart disease are preventable. You can significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular issues if you:
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet
A heart-healthy diet is an effective way to prevent heart disease. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein and cut back on processed foods, added sugars, and salt.
Exercise Regularly
Walking, running, biking, and swimming are great cardiovascular exercises that can improve heart health. Also consider strength training twice per week, which can also lower your risk of heart disease.
Minimize Alcohol Intake
If you do consume alcohol, drink no more than two drinks per day.
See Your Provider Regularly
Your provider can screen you for heart disease risk factors you can’t see or feel, such as high blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol. Getting early treatment for these issues means you can help prevent serious complications.
Quit smoking
If you smoke, make an effort to quit. Smoking harms all the systems in your body, including your heart. Talk to your provider if you need help quitting.
Work Toward a Healthy Weight
A healthy diet and exercise can help you lose pounds. Losing just 5% of your body weight makes a difference.
"Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control Among Adults Age 18 and Older: United States, August 2021–August 2023," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db511.htm
"Steps for Losing Weight," CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/losing-weight/index.html
Who does it affect?
51%Of U.S. men have high blood pressure.
Heart disease is the
#1Killer of men in the U.S.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: High Blood Pressure Facts
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Men and Heart Disease
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