Health Concerns for Men in Their 40s

Men in their 40s face tough threats against their health. There is good news, however; many of these diseases and conditions are preventable. 40 is not old for a man. It is, however, a time when taking better care of yourself becomes more imperative and also being more proactive about your health. When a man reaches his 40s it becomes more important for him to try and stay ahead of any health concerns that might arise.

1. Heart Disease

Heart disease includes hardening and narrowing of the arteries (coronary artery disease). This can lead to angina (chest pain) and a heart attack. Heart disease also includes heart arrhythmias and heart failure, which means the heart cannot efficiently pump blood through the body. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, swelling and extreme fatigue. Have your cholesterol and high blood pressure monitored by a health care professional. Eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. When consuming alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.

2. Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply is severely reduced or interrupted to part of the brain. Brain cells die without the necessary blood supply. Symptoms to watch for are sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or trouble speaking or understanding; vision problems in one or both eyes; trouble walking, losing balance or coordination; a severe headache with no apparent cause. It is vital when trying to prevent a stroke to watch your diet, not smoke, exercise regularly, and have cholesterol and blood pressure monitored.

3. Depression and Suicide

Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. Men are more prone to suicide because they are often taught to hold their emotions inside. They may not openly show signs of sadness or depression, seeing it as unmanly. The signs of depression for men differ than that of women. Men, instead of sadness, may react with anger, aggression, risk-taking behavior, alcohol and substance abuse, burning out at work or even a midlife crisis. Ignoring their emotional pain can work against men, as looking the other way can trigger depression can lead to thoughts of suicide.

4. Cancer

Colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers are risk factors for men at this age. It is necessary for men in their 40s to begin prostate cancer screening and rectal examinations performed by a physician. In addition, colonoscopies should be performed regularly.

5. Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. This is where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Diabetes can be prevented through losing extra weight, eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables, avoiding fatty foods and exercising on a regular basis.

6. Erectile Dysfunction

While not life-threatening, erectile dysfunction may begin to occur in a man’s 40s. It may signal other health risks such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It may also indicate diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease and neuralgic disease. In some cases it can be caused by nerve damage or side effects of certain medications. Stress and depression also plays a role in erectile dysfunction.

7. Kidney Stones

Calcium deposits can begin to build up in men in their 40s. This increases their chances for kidney stones. Often kidney stones are not detected until it’s too late and pain begins to develop in the sides.

Small stones will pass on their own in the urine, while others may require surgical removal or breaking up by using a shock wave procedure called lithotripsy. The stones are shocked and burst in to smaller pieces, allowing them to pass during urination.

When a kidney stone is detected and is small enough to pass or has been broken apart during lithotripsy, a tube may be placed through the bladder or back into the kidney. This tube will drain urine from the kidney until all the small pieces of stone pass out of the body. The tube may be put in place before or after the patient’s lithotripsy treatment.

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