Why do men experience heart disease earlier? Early signs of heart disease in men to watch for

Heart disease can affect anyone, but it’s especially important for men to pay attention to their heart health and risk factors. Men tend to develop heart conditions earlier in life than women. And more men have heart disease overall—12.6% of men compared to 10.1% of women.

The good news is that men have the power to do something about it. Let’s take a closer look.

Why do men experience heart disease earlier?

On average, men may develop heart disease up to 10 years earlier than women. For example, the average age of a first heart attack is 65 for men and 72 for women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both genders, but it causes 1 in every 4 male deaths, compared to 1 in every 5 female deaths.

So why the difference? In men, testosterone may contribute to higher LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and artery plaque buildup, which leads to heart disease. Men tend to have a higher LDL than women and a lower HDL, or “good” cholesterol, which may help explain why men develop heart disease at a younger age.

Women, on the other hand, may benefit from the protective effects of estrogen on the heart until they reach menopause. Estrogen plays a role in increasing HDL, which decreases LDL. These higher HDL levels are associated with reduced risk of heart disease, specifically coronary artery disease (plaque buildup). However, at menopause, the loss of estrogen results in an increase in cholesterol and LDL, and lower HDL—so women face higher risks of heart disease after they’ve reached menopause.

There are cultural and psychological factors at play, too. Men tend to visit the doctor less, missing out on essential preventive care that can delay the progression of heart disease.

Men are also less likely to address chronic stress and more likely to use tobacco and drink alcohol, both of which increase the risk of heart disease. Men also might be more hesitant to ask for help when something feels off.

Early signs of heart disease in men

Because heart disease typically starts earlier in men, every man should know the early signs of heart disease in men, including symptoms in areas of the body outside of the heart. Some early heart warning signs to watch for include:

• Fatigue with minimal effort: Feeling unusually tired after light activity
• Shortness of breath: Especially during rest or mild exertion
• Chest discomfort: Pressure, tightness or pain—not always severe
• Erectile dysfunction (ED): An early sign of poor blood flow
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations: Fluttering or skipped beats
• Swelling in legs or ankles: May indicate fluid buildup from heart failure
• Jaw, neck or back pain: Especially during physical activity
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Could signal reduced blood flow to the brain
• Snoring: May be a sign of sleep apnea, which is linked to heart disease

By catching changes in your heart health early, you can work with your doctor to address your risk factors and symptoms before they become more serious.

Heart disease symptoms men often ignore

It’s common for both men and women to dismiss subtle symptoms of heart disease. Some early signs of heart disease—like fatigue or neck and back pain—could have many other causes. So men may ignore them, thinking they aren’t a big deal or will go away on their own.

Examples of heart disease signs that might be overlooked include:

• Mistaking fatigue or breathlessness for aging or being out of shape
• Thinking chest pressure is caused by indigestion or stress
• Overlooking the link between ED and heart health
• Ignoring emotional stress or sleep issues that affect the heart
• Downplaying jaw, neck, arm or back pain as sore muscles or a minor injury
• Missing leg swelling or pain that’s related to vascular health
• Dismissing irregular heartbeats as anxiety or stress

When to see a doctor for heart disease symptoms

While some early signs of heart disease in men might not be related to your heart, the best way to know where your heart health stands is by checking in with a physician. Your doctor can help determine what’s behind your symptoms and if you need additional tests.

Make an appointment for any symptoms that are new, keep happening or are getting worse. This is especially important if you know you have risk factors for heart disease. Subtle heart disease symptoms combined with risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or smoking deserve your attention.

Call 911 if you are experiencing any warning signs of a heart attack:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats
• Arm pain
• Jaw or neck pain
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

How to talk to your doctor about heart symptoms

Before you visit the doctor for heart-related symptoms, jot down a list of what you’re feeling and any questions. Because the early signs of heart disease often overlap with other conditions, be specific about how each symptom feels, when it happens and if you’ve noticed activities that make it worse.

You’ll also want to bring up any family history of heart disease, related medical conditions or medications you take. And speak up about heart-related screenings. Ask your doctor about your cholesterol levels or whether you should consider any tests like a stress test, EKG or calcium score screening.

Your doctor is your partner in care, so feel confident in bringing any concerns or questions with you. The earlier you start the conversation about heart disease symptoms and risk factors, the better. Together, you can catch heart disease sooner and take steps to reduce your risk of serious heart problems—and that could be a lifesaving choice.

Ready to take control of your heart health? Speak with a cardiologist who can help you get started.