KUALA LUMPUR - Men are generally at a higher risk of heart attacks and sudden death, primarily due to lifestyle choices and high-risk behaviours.
National Heart Institute (IJN) Consultant Cardiologist Datuk Dr Ahmad Khairuddin Mohamed Yusof said that lifestyle factors such as poor diet, smoking, and high-stress levels place men in a vulnerable position when it comes to heart health.
"Men often lead more active lives and engage in higher-risk behaviours, such as smoking, experiencing work-related stress and adopting unhealthy eating habits. Many skip meals during the day, only to eat large dinners late at night, just before bed.
"This short window between eating and sleeping contributes to obesity, as the body converts excess fats and carbohydrates into adipose tissue. As a result, men fall into a higher-risk category for heart disease,” he said.
However, Dr Khairuddin also pointed out the rising trend of heart issues among women, as many now share similar work habits with men, such as skipping meals and eating late at night, increasing their risk of heart disease.
"Plus, men often downplay their symptoms, which exacerbates the issue. Overall, while men continue to show higher risks of heart attacks, it is important to note that women are increasingly facing similar challenges due to lifestyle changes.
"The higher risk of heart attacks in men is also linked to the fact that more men smoke cigarettes or vape compared to women. However, if current trends continue without proper awareness and education about the dangers of smoking and vaping, women could eventually face similar risks,” he said.
When asked if family history contributes to men having a higher risk of heart attacks compared to women, Dr Khairuddin clarified that it does not, as the risk is equally the same for both genders.
"Family history also plays a significant role in heart attack risks, but this factor should be evaluated on an individual basis. Regardless of family history, everyone has an equal chance to protect themselves from heart disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Responding to a question about whether there is a difference in preventive measures for heart attacks between men and women, Dr Khairuddin said that the preventive measures are essentially the same for both genders.
He highlighted that engaging in regular exercise is a key strategy for reducing the risk of heart attacks regardless of gender.