Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 17.9 million people died from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in 2016 alone.

It is no secret that men are at a higher risk of such deaths but what is particularly concerning is the sudden rise in heart disease incidents in younger men.

Understanding the Heart

Before we dive into what causes sudden heart death, it is important to understand how the heart functions. The heart is a muscle that pumps blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to the body and remove carbon dioxide and other waste products.

Blood flows through the heart in one direction, carried by the blood vessels that include the arteries, veins, and capillaries. At the core of the heart is a natural pacemaker that sets the heart’s rhythm. Any interference with this normal rhythm can lead to heart problems, particularly if it happens suddenly.

Why are Men at a Higher Risk of Heart Disease?

The reasons for this are plenty. Firstly, men have larger hearts than women.

This means that the volume of blood the heart pumps in a single beat is larger in males, making men more susceptible to high blood pressure which is a leading cause of heart disease. Men also tend to have higher levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, commonly known as “bad cholesterol”.

LDL cholesterol is the kind of cholesterol that can accumulate in the walls of blood vessels, making them narrower and obstructing blood flow.

Additionally, men are more prone to lifestyle-induced heart problems due to factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise.

Men are also more likely to work in jobs that involve heavy manual labor, which can put a strain on their heart over time. All of these factors increase men’s risk of heart disease, especially if left unchecked.

Sudden Heart Death: A Growing Concern for Men

While heart disease itself is not new, what is particularly concerning is the sudden rise in heart disease incidents in younger men.

Previously, heart disease was seen as an issue that affected mostly older men, but studies show that there has been a significant increase in instances of sudden heart death in young males below the age of 40 in recent years.

From 2012 to 2016, it was found that the rate of sudden cardiac arrest among men aged 25 to 34 increased by about 17.5% per year. Meanwhile, the rate of sudden heart death in men aged 35 to 44 increased by about 4.2% per year in the same time frame.

These statistics are alarming and require further investigation into why so many young men are facing sudden heart deaths.

The Link Between COVID-19 and Sudden Heart Death in Men

One possible reason for the recent uptick in young male heart disease incidents is the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have shown that the virus can cause severe damage to the heart and has been found in the heart tissue of those who have died of COVID-19.

This means that people who have recovered from COVID-19 could potentially have long-term cardiac complications.

Research has also shown that men are more likely to experience severe symptoms and die from COVID-19.

This correlation has been attributed to men having weaker immune systems and higher levels of ACE2 receptors (proteins that the virus needs to infect cells) in their bodies compared to women.

Furthermore, the psychological impact of the pandemic could also be contributing to the uptick in heart disease incidents.

The stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic can lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise, poor diet choices, and excessive alcohol or drug use, all of which can negatively impact one’s heart health.

How to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Heart Death in Men

While there is no sure-fire way to prevent sudden heart death, there are certain steps men can take to reduce their risk of heart disease:.

1. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing heart disease. This includes exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

It is also crucial to maintain a healthy weight, as obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease.

2. Regular Check-ups

Scheduling regular check-ups with a doctor is important for monitoring any potential heart problems.

This becomes even more crucial if there is a family history of heart disease or if one experiences any unusual symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat.

3. Managing Stress

Managing stress through techniques such as exercise, meditation or other relaxation techniques can improve overall health and reduce the impact of stress hormones on the heart.

This is especially important during the ongoing pandemic when stress levels may be higher than usual.

Conclusion

The sudden rise of heart disease incidents in young men is a growing concern, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the causes behind these incidents is crucial for finding ways to prevent sudden heart death in men.

While there is no sure-fire way to prevent heart disease, leading a healthy lifestyle, scheduling regular check-ups with a doctor, and managing stress can help reduce the risk of heart-related problems.