Why is Heart Attack the Leading Cause of Death for Men?

Heart attacks remain the leading cause of death for men, a grim reality underscored by recent studies and expert analyses. At The Medical City’s Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Jose Paolo Prado, a cardiologist and the Lead at the Acute Myocardial Infarction or simply the Heart Attack Clinical Care Program, sheds light on the reasons behind this.

One of the key factors contributing to the high incidence of heart attacks in men is hormonal influence. Testosterone, the primary male hormone, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. High levels of testosterone can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are major risk factors for heart attacks. This hormonal predisposition means men are inherently at a higher risk of developing heart disease.

“Being a male patient also increases the risk. This was demonstrated by studies looking at the population of heart attack patients. We’re seeing that the male sex increases the risk of having a heart attack,” Dr. Prado explained. 

Moreover, women, particularly those in their reproductive years, benefit from the protective effects of estrogen. Estrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessels and regulates cholesterol levels. However, as women enter menopause, their estrogen levels decline significantly. This decrease makes postmenopausal women as susceptible to heart attacks as men, effectively aligning their risk factors with those of their male counterparts.

Dr. Prado emphasizes the importance of awareness and preventive measures. Quitting smoking, keeping cholesterol, especially the bad cholesterol type, at a low level, exercising at least 30 minutes most days of the week, and controlling diabetes are some ways to reduce a patient’s risk of having a heart attack. 

The Medical City’s Cardiovascular Institute is committed to providing comprehensive care and education to help individuals manage their heart health effectively.

“TMC has a heart attack program called the Acute Myocardial Infarction Clinical Care Program. It is the only heart attack care program in the Philippines and is designed to treat heart attack effectively and efficiently,” Dr. Prado shared. 

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