According to the World Health Organization, more than 16 million people die from the most common diseases in males every year. Many disorders cause male deaths, such as malaria, malignant neoplasm of the lip and oral cavity, malignant neoplasm of the colon and rectum, and pneumonia. This article will feature the top 7 most common causes of mortality among the male population and discuss their importance to survival in the modern world.
7 Most common diseases in males
- Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular disease is a medical condition that impacts the heart or the blood vessels. According to the World Health Organization, more than four million people die from cardiovascular diseases yearly. Cardiovascular diseases are also called coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and cerebrovascular accidents. Coronary artery disease is responsible for most males’ mortality rates among these three conditions. Coronary artery disease involves blockage or narrowing arteries supplying blood to the heart. It is characterized by angina and myocardial infarction, among other symptoms. The most common cause of coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis which causes plaque build-up within the arterial wall leading to blockage and narrowing of arteries.
- Cancer
The top ten causes of mortality in males are cancer, diarrhea, diarrhea-induced dehydration, pneumonia, malaria, and tuberculosis. Cancer accounts for more than 10 million deaths per year in males. In addition to this disease, many different types of cancer can affect males, such as breast cancer. Malignant neoplasm of the lip and oral cavity is the most common form of oral cancer and is responsible for the death of 220 thousand people annually. Malignant neoplasm of the colon and rectal is another serious cause of mortality among men. It leads to over 17 thousand deaths aggravating current issues on obesity as well as limited health care available.
- Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common disease among men. Causes of Erectile dysfunction include diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, smoking, poor diet, and hypertension. Another common cause of ED is CVD which can cause the loss of blood flow to the penis and lead to erectile dysfunction. Men suffering from ED are up to seven times more likely to suffer from general mortality than men who do not experience such problems. Another common cause of Erectile Dysfunction is HGH. It is because HGH causes the growth of body tissues, including muscles, extra fat, and bones. When there is excessive growth of body tissues, it leads to increased levels of estrogen in the blood. It is because female sex organs produce estrogen.
- HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS patients are one of the most affected groups. Worldwide, 1.8 million people die every year due to HIV-related infections. This disease is caused by infection with a human immunodeficiency virus that weakens the immune system, eventually leading to severe complications like opportunistic infections, among others. There is no cure for HIV and AIDS, but one can control the symptoms through effective treatment of HIV and AIDS. According to the World Health Organization, there are currently 35 million people living with HIV and AIDS, with approximately 2.5 million deaths reported yearly. This disease has high mortality among males due to indulgence in unprotected sex to protect themselves from other diseases. Those who have unprotected sex despite having known cases of HIV and AIDS are at a higher risk of mortality due to their weakened immune systems.
- Stroke
Stroke is one of the most common causes of death among males. According to the World Health Organization, there are around 7 million stroke deaths yearly. This disease occurs when a blockage in blood vessels leads to the brain due to atherosclerosis, clotting, and high blood pressure, among others. Stroke causes long-term disability in about one-third of affected cases unless treated well within the first few hours after onset. Living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding factors leading to strokes, such as high cholesterol and hypertension, are essential.
- Liver disease
The liver is the largest organ in the body, and its primary function is to break down certain substances like food and other harmful substances. The liver also assists in the production of several essential cells within the body by producing glucose, bile, and albumin, among others. The liver can become diseased when infection or tumors impair function or disease. Cirrhosis and alcoholic cirrhosis are common causes of liver disease. Liver diseases are responsible for approximately 2 million deaths every year worldwide. This disease is caused by hepatitis, cirrhosis, and alcohol abuse.
- Depression
According to statistics, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Depression is a mood disorder that disrupts normal functions such as sleeping, eating, and socializing. Depression can be categorized into two types: major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. Major depressive disorder affects six million males yearly, while dysthymic disease affects another twelve million people. Depression can negatively impact a person’s life and lead to other complications, including suicide.
Male diseases and their related complications are common and can lead to death. One can prevent these diseases by adopting healthy lifestyles, such as avoiding factors that cause infections and sticking to a proper diet. It is also essential to seek treatment for these diseases early before they develop into severe conditions. Proper health is key to avoiding diseases, and males must consider maintaining their health to prevent diseases caused by aging and other factors.
