Five symptoms a man should not ignore

When it comes to doctors, men are more likely to drag their heels, unless they are convinced it is a medical emergency.

Women tend to be more cautious and pragmatic about health matters, and can exert a positive influence on the man in their life.

Indeed, a recently published study has found that married men are more likely to survive a heart attack, thanks to their partner getting them to the hospital sooner.

We compiled a guide to symptoms a man, and the women close to them, should not ignore.

Chest pain

Men might dial 999 for a crushing chest pain, but what about "heartburn" or "indigestion," along with sweating or shortness of breath?

Heart attacks strike more than 120,000 people every year, but not all symptoms are easily recognised.
The most common symptoms of a heart attack include pain in the centre of the chest which may spread to the arms, neck or jaw; chest pain and feeling sick or sweaty, or chest pain with shortness of breath.

Less common symptoms which could indicate a heart attack include dull pain, ache, or 'heavy' feeling in the chest; a mild discomfort in the chest that makes you feel generally unwell; a pain in the chest that can spread to the back or stomach; chest pain that feels like a bad episode of indigestion, and feeling light-headed or dizzy along with chest pain.

Chest pain can vary from mild discomfort in the centre of the chest to severe pain which is often described as a heavy pressure, crushing or tightness. Either way, it needs to be dealt with immediately.

Problems with "the waterworks"

A man may put it down to age, or drinking too much coffee or alcohol, but if he's having to get up several times during the night to go to the loo, it might be time to point him in the direction of the GP.
Needing to go to the toilet often and especially at night, difficulty starting to pass urine, a weak flow, straining, needing to rush to the toilet and a feeling that the bladder has not emptied properly could indicate a prostate problem.

This might be caused by an enlarged prostate or an infection of the prostate or even prostate cancer. It can also be a symptom of diabetes.

Blood caused by "piles"

It may be convenient to dismiss any amount of blood in stools as just piles, but that's for the doctor to decide. You should book an appointment with a male doctor if you find discussing bowel movements embarrassing.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cause of cancer in men, after lung and prostate cancer. Each year more than 20,000 men are diagnosed with the disease. As with many cancers, the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat.

As well as finding blood in stools, other symptoms of bowel cancer include feeling tired, anaemia, changes in bowel habits such as loose stools or diarrhoea which persist for weeks, abdominal pain or a lump in the side.

Beer belly

A man may dismiss it as nothing more than a "bit of beer belly," but research has shown that people who carry extra fat around their waist have a higher risk of developing serious health problems compared with those who carry fat on their hips and thighs.

Men with a waist circumference of 94cm (37") are at higher risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, and men measuring 102cm (40") at the waist have an even higher risk.
A large waist can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. In the early stages, diabetes is often without symptoms, when it can best be treated. Similarly high blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, is usually without symptoms.

Problems down below

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is the inability to maintain an erection firm enough to have satisfactory sex. Although the symptoms are easily recognised, men are often too embarrassed to seek medical attention.

Men often write off ED as a normal part of the ageing process, but they need to know that it is a common condition. Around 50 per cent of men aged between 40 and 70 can expect to experience some level of ED in their life.

Many men are unaware that ED can also be a sign of a range of underlying psychological and physical health problems.

ED can be caused by the narrowing of the blood vessels into the penis. If the penis is affected in this way, it's likely the vessels supplying blood to the heart and brain are also affected.
ED can therefore be an early sign that the man is at risk of having high cholesterol, and at risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also be a symptom of diabetes.

Men should visit their doctor if they are experiencing any degree of ED, not only to improve their quality of life, but to get help with any other health conditions they are unaware of.