According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, American men are 25 percent less likely than women to visit a doctor.  Why?  “A lot of times it’s very difficult for men to be convinced they need to see a physician for a problem…there is a lot of denial going on, unfortunately, that denial can be deadly,” said Dr. Todd Seto, Medical Director, Non-invasive Cardiology at Queen’s Medical Center.    

 

In Hawaii, heart problems comprise the most frequent reason for hospitalization and almost one out of every eight hospitalizations among men 18 and older.  “When it comes to heart problems, there are a lot of things that can be done preventionwise,” says Dr.  Seto.    The thing to remember is most forms of cardiovascular disease are often related to preventable risk factors. For example, an unhealthy diet, smoking, and lack of exercise can all lead to atherosclerosis, which in turn can cause one or more types of cardiovascular disease.

Men, don’t be afraid to put on the exam gown! For men under 50, get a regular checkup every 18 months.  After 50, see a doctor annually.

Real Men Know the Facts:
• One in five American men has heart disease.
In Hawaii…
• Heart related conditions is the number ONE reason men are hospitalized.
• One in every eight hospitalized men aged 18 and older is hospitalized for heart related problems.
• Men are more likely than women to be hospitalized at a younger age for heart problems.

Data notes
3M Specialty: Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Open Heart Surgery, Cardiac Cath.

 

Source of data
Hawaii – HHIC Online Reports, Inpatient Database.