Disease can affect anyone, but some health conditions are more common in men because of a combination of genetics, hormones and lifestyle factors.
“When it comes to gender, there are some diseases we notice happening more often in either men or women,” said Eric Fernandez, MD, a family medicine physician at Endeavor Health. “While we watch for symptoms of any disease in both men and women, these are some diseases men should put on their radar.”
Heart disease in men: Why risk starts earlier
Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S., but men have a higher risk and develop it earlier in life than women.
Part of the reason may be hormones — estrogen and progesterone have a protective effect on blood vessels in women until menopause.
Genetics also play a role. Men typically carry weight around their middle, which puts pressure on the heart. They also have larger hearts and blood vessels than women do, and cholesterol tends to build up in major arteries, while women tend to accumulate plaque in smaller blood vessels first.
Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like excessive drinking and smoking, which can damage the heart, and are less likely to seek help for coping with stress, which can be a contributing factor in heart disease. They’re also more likely to have high blood pressure.
“Lifestyle choices are under your control. If you smoke, quit. Find ways to reduce stress and alcohol consumption if needed,” Dr. Fernandez said. “And if you aren’t exercising regularly, find ways to add movement to your daily routine.”
Routine blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings with your primary care doctor can help detect cardiovascular risk factors early.
Why melanoma risk is higher in men
Men are twice as likely to die of melanoma than women, the American Academy of Dermatology reports. One reason? Women typically apply sunscreen more often than men do and often use cosmetics that include SPF.
Men’s skin is also different than women’s skin. It’s thicker with less fat beneath and contains more collagen and elastin. Research has found these differences may make men more vulnerable to damage from UV rays.
“Protecting your skin from the sun is critical,” Dr. Fernandez said. “Take steps to wear sunscreen or clothing that covers your skin if you’ll be outside and try to limit outdoor activities between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun is most intense.”
Regular skin exams can help identify suspicious moles or skin changes early.
Gout symptoms and risk factors in men
Gout, a form of arthritis, is caused by uric acid buildup in the blood. Common symptoms include sudden joint pain, swelling, redness and warmth, often affecting the big toe.
Men are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop gout than women, in part because men have more uric acid in their bodies than women. Estrogen helps the kidneys eliminate uric acid, which helps lower their risk.
Men on average consume more red meat and alcohol than women, which raises their risk, and are more likely to have high blood pressure, another risk factor.
“Eating a healthy diet that’s low in red meat and sugar and high in vegetables and whole grains will help you avoid gout,” Dr. Fernandez said. “Hydrating with water will help you flush out uric acid, and maintaining a healthy weight relieves some pressure on joints.”
What men should know about Parkinson’s disease risk
Men are up to twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women, and once again, it’s partly about estrogen, which is thought to help protect women’s neurological health. Women, however, experience faster progression of the disease and a higher mortality rate than men.
Early signs of Parkinson’s disease may include tremors, stiffness, slowed movement and balance problems.
There is research into the possibility that in some Parkinson’s cases, a protein in the brain is mistaken for an “enemy” by the immune system, which begins attacking brain cells that produce the protein. This was mainly found in male patients.
Occupational exposure to pesticides and industrial solvents has been associated with a higher risk, which men are more likely to have.
“While we can’t change our genes, there are some things we can do to lower our risk for Parkinson’s disease,” Dr. Fernandez said. “Avoid chemicals — filter your water and wash off vegetables and fruits before eating them. And take care of your brain by exercising on a regular basis, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, eating a Mediterranean-style diet and wearing a helmet if you go biking or play contact sports.”
Abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms and prevention
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the body’s main artery, the aorta, which stretches from the heart down through the abdomen. If the bulge ruptures, it can cause severe, life-threatening internal bleeding.
Men are five times more likely to experience an abdominal aortic aneurysm than women. Smoking and having high blood pressure are two of the top risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Estrogen is also a factor that lowers risk for women.
Men ages 65 to 75 with a history of smoking may benefit from abdominal aortic aneurysm screening.
“There are things like family history, age and gender that we can’t control, but we can take steps to avoid risks like smoking and high blood pressure,” Dr. Fernandez said. “Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and how to stay healthy as you age.”
How men can lower their risk for chronic disease
While some health risks are linked to genetics and age, many chronic diseases can be influenced by daily habits. Staying physically active, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet and keeping up with preventive care visits can support long-term health.
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