Top Health Risks for Older Men

Health Risks Affecting Older Men

Knowing your risk of certain health conditions is important when it comes to prevention. In light of Men's Health Month, the health experts at ATRIO Health Plans are to outline a few health conditions older men should have on their radar.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, taking the lives of more than 300,000 men each year. With such shockingly high statistics, it is essential that men keep heart disease at the forefront of their minds when it comes to potential health concerns.

Because about half of men who die suddenly from heart disease show no symptoms, heart disease is commonly referred to as a “silent killer.” However, certain there are symptoms that can suggest a heart-related health issue or a cardiac event:

• Chest pain
• Upper back and neck pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fluttering feelings in the chest
• Swelling of the legs and feet

Prostate Cancer

Along with being a chronic health condition unique to men, prostate cancer is one of the leading health risks that men face overall. With about 13% of men developing prostate cancer in their lifetime and 2 in 3 of these men dying from prostate cancer, it is essential for men to have routine screenings done to ensure early detection and treatment.

Men from 55 to 79 are advised to have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test every 2 to 3 years. Depending on your individual risk factor, your doctor may suggest that you get screened more often.

Type 2 Diabetes

When it comes to developingtype 2 diabetes, men are more likely to develop this form of diabetes at a lower body weight than women because of the way that fat is stored in their bodies. Men are also less likely to have their type 2 diabetes diagnosed.

Unfortunately, when type 2 diabetes goes unmanaged, it can also leave men more acceptable to the following health complications:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Vision loss
• Kidney failure
• Erectile dysfunction
• Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Overactive bladder
• Male incontinence
• Retrograde ejaculation

If you’re unsure how often you should be screened or tested for certain health conditions, be sure to reach out to your primary care team.