MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR MEN (AND WOMEN)
Here are the eight most common deadly diseases that kill men more often and at a younger age than women—and that can be influenced by people’s behavior. After each disease, the table shows the ratio of male-to-female death rates; for example, the ratio of 1.8:1 for coronary heart disease means that for every 10 women who die of that illness, 18 men of the same broad age range die of it.¹ While the advice on prevention for men and women is the same, it’s especially important for men to heed it and to recognize the telltale signs and symptoms, since men are more likely to die of these diseases. men women
DISEASE RATIO OF
MALE TO FEMALE DEATHS
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
SCREENING TESTS & VACCINES²
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS³
Coronary heart disease - 1.8:1


 Blood pressure annually for all adults.
Blood lipids (LDL and HDL cholesterol, plus triglycerides) at least every 5 years, starting at age 20.		 Angina: Chest pain that worsens with exertion.
Heart attack: Painful pressure or squeezing in center of chest, sometimes radiating to shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, or upper back; or any chest discomfort plus lightheadedness, faintness, nausea, shortness of breath, or sweating. Men report more chest pain and sweating; women, more back, neck, and jaw pain as well as more faintness, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Cancer - 1.4:1


 Colorectal: Colonoscopy every 10 years, starting at age 50, if health and finances allow; or sigmoidoscopy every 5 years plus annual fecal blood test.
Prostate: Annual PSA test for men likely to live at least another 10 years, starting at 50 for whites, 40 for blacks. Digital rectal exam at same ages.		 Colorectal: Bloody or tarry stools, bowel-habit change lasting more than 10 days, unexplained abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue.

Prostate: Blood in urine or semen, or difficulty starting or stopping urination.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) - 1.4:1


 Spirometry (breathing test) for people with any breathing complaint and for smokers age 45 or over. Chronic cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, increased mucus production, frequent throat clearing.
Diabetes - 1.2:1


 Fasting blood-glucose level at lease once every 3 years, starting at age 45. Fatigue, frequent urination or infection, unusual thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, slow healing, skin or vaginal infections.
Influenza and pneumonia - 1.5:1


 No screening tests. Annual flu shot for all adults, particularly those over 50; one time pneumonia shot for everyone over age 65. Flu: Temperature over 100° F plus headache, chills or sweats, muscle aches, fatigue, or cough.
Pneumonia: Same as above, plus shortness of breath, chest pain on breathing, rust-colored phlegm.
Kidney disease - 1.5:1


 Kidney function (included in routine blood and urine tests). Foamy urine, diminished urine production, fatigue, nausea, itchy skin.
Suicide - 4.3:1



 Depression (brief two- or three-question screening test). Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, restlessness, or listlessness; loss of pleasure in enjoyable activities; disturbed sleep; appetite loss or overeating; suicidal thoughts.
Liver disease - 2.3:1


 Liver function (included in routine blood tests). Abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea.
  1. Ratio assumes the same numbers of men and women in each age range. Ratio is an overall average and may be different in specific age groups.
  2. For average-risk individuals. People at higher risk should talk with their doctor about possibly starting younger or undergoing additional tests.
  3. People with any of these signs or symptoms should contact their doctor to check whether they stem from the listed disease or another cause.