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Save Your Heart for Him


The idea that men and women are different is certainly not news. One popular book even suggests that we come from different planets.

But research suggests that it's more than plumbing and light years that separate us: Our wiring is different too; in particular, that set of wires and pumps known as the cardiovascular system. When we asked leading heart doctors to tell us how you can attack-proof your heart, they nixed a one-sex-fits-all plan in favor of this "his and hers" approach.

But they also asked us to remind you of one way that we're all alike: Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women.

His Plan: Stop Being the King of Denial

One out of every two men currently 40 and under will eventually develop heart disease; more than 410,000 men died from it in 2004—13 times more than died of prostate cancer.

"You may think that it's the other guy who will get heart disease," says Kenneth Goldberg, MD, director of the Male Health Center in Dallas. "But all my patients with heart disease thought it was going to be the other guy. At least open yourself up to the possibility that it could happen to you. And then work as hard as you can to prevent it."

Think Down With Cholesterol

Shoot for a total cholesterol of less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), an LDL (bad) of less than 130 mg/dl, an HDL (good) of 45 mg/dl or higher, and triglycerides of less than 150.

The most important number in that equation is LDL. "In men, studies show that a high LDL increases the risk of developing heart disease more than a low HDL or high triglycerides, and treatment of LDL is most effective in reducing cardiac risk," says Debra Judelson, MD, medical director of the Women's Heart Institute at the Cardiovascular Medical Group in Los Angeles.

Rate Your Risk

An abnormal cholesterol level is not the only tip-off that a heart attack may be in your future, says Stephen Devries, MD, director of the Heart Center at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Consider these other clues: Smoking (increases your risk at least two- to fourfold) Diabetes (doubles your risk) Blood pressure higher than 135/85 Family history of early heart disease Overweight Sedentary lifestyle

Take the Test

"I tell people to take charge of their health. Make sure that you are checked for risk factors and that you get the information you need to lower your individual risk," says Dr. Devries.

If you have several risk factors for heart disease, your doctor might recommend a treadmill exercise test (also called a stress test) to get an even better idea of how your heart is working, he says. You simply walk on a treadmill while your blood pressure and changes in your heart's electrical activity are monitored. Based on the results of this test, your doctor may recommend other tests or encourage you to make some lifestyle (exercise and diet) changes.

If your cholesterol and/or blood pressure is particularly high, he may also prescribe medication.

Redesign Your Diet

Trim the fat especially the saturated kind, advises Dr. Devries. "Most men need to cut back on the fat found in a typical American diet. Meat should be considered a treat, not a part of every meal. Pasta, stir-fries, and fish should substitute for many of the meat meals. In the dairy department, try low-fat milk and cheese," says Dr. Devries.

No Excuses!

When researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor asked 186 men what stood in their way of achieving a heart-healthy lifestyle, their number one answer was you guessed it time (Jour. of Women's Health, vol 7, no 6, 1998).

"In the short term, staying late at the office instead of hitting the gym or making your doctor's appointment may seem like it's the best thing to do for your career and family," says Dr. Goldberg. "But you can't climb the corporate ladder or be there for your family from a hospital bed. You need to prioritize your time by putting your health first and foremost."

Recognize the Symptoms

A third of the men who responded to a Men's Health magazine survey said that they wouldn't seek care if they experienced severe chest pain and shortness of breath. Duh! Don't be stupid. If you're having the following symptoms, chew a full-strength (325 mg) aspirin (it'll help break up clots associated with your attack) and get to the hospital ASAP: Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that quickly fades in and out. The pain may spread to the shoulders, neck, or arms, and it may be accompanied by lightheadedness, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.

"Remember: The longer you delay getting to the hospital, the more likely that the attack will be fatal," cautions Dr. Goldberg.