45-Year-Old Men's Health Issues
As you age, certain problems arise. This can happen because of aging itself, poor diet, lack of exercise, irregular sleep patterns, depression and stress. These problems vary depending on many factors, including gender.
As you age, certain problems arise. This can happen because of aging itself, poor diet, lack of exercise, irregular sleep patterns, depression and stress. These problems vary depending on many factors, including gender. A 45-year-old woman experiences different problems than a 70-year old-woman, just as the 45-year-old woman experiences different issues than a 45-year-old man.
Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, often begins when men are in their 40s. According to MedlinePlus, you have hypertension if your systolic reading is over 140 and/or your diastolic is over 90. One reason for the increase in hypertension as men get older is that as you age, your arteries become stiffer. Other factors include smoking, obesity, heredity and too much salt in the diet. Hypertension increases your chances of having a stroke or heart attack.
Enlarged Prostate and Prostate Cancer
Prostate issues become a bigger concern when you approach the age of 40. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate, has no direct cause aside from age. Typically, when you are in your 40s, you will only have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. Usually this cancer does not have symptoms, but it can cause pain during urination, blood in the urine or semen, weak flow of urine or frequent urination. Ask your doctor when you should begin prostate screenings.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can happen at any age, but it occurs more frequently in men over the age of 40. This condition is defined by the National Institutes of Health as an inability to maintain or obtain an erection. Causes include age, stress, depression, injury, side effects of certain medications and certain diseases. Erectile dysfunction can be treated. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, healthier eating and changes in medication can cure the issue. Medications can also be prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction.
Heart Disease
Anyone can be diagnosed with heart disease, and some individuals are born with this condition. However, age is a factor in developing heart disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, men's risk of developing heart disease increases at the age of 45. Heart disease causes include build-up of plaque in the arteries. This build-up causes the arteries to narrow and harden. Your risk of developing heart disease is not always controllable, however, certain factors put you at higher risk. These include smoking, obesity, an inactive lifestyle, hypertension and high cholesterol.