Heart Disease
Overall, men are more likely than women to develop heart disease. There are several risk factors that could increase your chances of having a cardiac event. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and modifiable lifestyle factors (cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet) signifcantly contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- By following a low-fat, high-fibre diet. Limit the amount of salt you eat to no more than 6g of salt (is about 1 teaspoon).
- If you smoke, giving it up will reduce your risk of developing heart disease Smoking is a major risk factor for developing atherosclerosis (build up of plaque in the arteries).
- If you drink, do not exceed the maximum recommended units (14 units a week). Always avoid binge drinking, as this increases the risk of a heart attack.
- Monitor and keep your blood pressure under control. Your target blood pressure should be below 140/90mmHg. If you would like to get your blood pressure checked ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
- Research suggests that physical activity can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by as much as 35%. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening is a way of checking if there’s a swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from your heart through your abdomen.
It can be serious if it’s not spotted early on because it could get bigger and eventually burst.
Men aged 65 or over are most at risk of getting AAAs. Screening can detect an AAA before it bursts – if an AAA is found, you can have regular scans to monitor it or surgery to prevent it from bursting.
Mental health
Men are less likely than women to access help for psychological issues and twice as likely to die by suicide when compared to women. Society’s expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to discuss their mental health problems. Men are also more likely to use coping methods such as drugs or alcohol, which can worsen the symptoms of many mental health disorders.
If you are concerned about a friend or relative, there are local resources which can help.
Local resources for positive
mental health:
Main mental health line
Telephone: 200 78807
Note: This number can also be used for appointments
Community Mental Health Team
Telephone: 20042307
Gibsams
Telephone : 116123
Email: info@gibsams.gi
Clubhouse Gibraltar
Telephone: 20068423
Email: admin@clubhousegibraltar.com
Prostate Cancer
- Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Needing to urinate more frequently.
- Straining whilst you urinate.
- A feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied
The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. However, the chances of developing prostate cancer increase as you get older. Most cases develop in men aged 50 or older. Men who have a close relative affected by prostate cancer are at slightly increased risk themselves. Additionally, obesity has been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer.
There’s no single test for prostate cancer. All the tests used to help diagnose the condition have benefits and risks that your doctor should discuss with you.
If you have any concerns about the health issues discussed in this article, speak to your healthcare provider.
High-power laser for prostate treatment
From the age of 50 onwards, many men begin to experience prostate problems. Starting at this age, the excessive production of androgens (male hormone) generates an increase in the size of the prostate, compressing the urethra and hindering the proper flow of urine.
This abnormal growth of prostate tissue is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. According to the European Association of Urology, it is the most common urological pathology in older men, affecting more than 50% of men over the age of 50 and almost 80% over the age of 80.
A pathology that affects the quality of life of patients
Although it is not a malignant process and certainly not a trigger for prostate cancer, it produces urination-related symptoms that significantly affect the quality of life of the patient, sometimes even limiting his daily life. Furthermore, it is a trigger for other complications, such as urinary tract infections, haematuria (blood in the urine), bladder stone formation and renal failure.
The Urology Unit of HC Marbella recommends regular examinations with our urologist to monitor the growth of your prostate and thus be able to propose a treatment if necessary.
Minimally invasive, effective and definitive treatment.
One of the most innovative treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia is Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. This technique has proven to be an effective and definitive solution for the relief of symptoms related to this pathology.
The procedure is performed endoscopically. A high-power laser fibre is introduced through the urethra to separate the prostatic adenoma (overgrown tissue), leaving the prostate capsule intact. Once separated, the tissue is moved to the bladder where it is aspirated, allowing tissue samples to be collected for examination by a pathologist.
As the procedure allows the tissue to be completely removed, it offers a definitive solution, providing long-lasting relief from symptoms. Its efficacy is similar to that of open surgery, but since no incisions are required side effects decrease and the hospital stay is reduced to a minimum. In most cases the patient is discharged after 24 hours, when they can resume their daily routine.
In addition, the photocoagulation produced by the laser when the tissue is removed minimizes bleeding and avoids possible surgical complications.
If you experience any symptoms, consult one of our specialized urologists to find a suitable and definitive treatment that will allow you to regain your quality of life.
HC Marbella has a specialised urological laser unit staffed by urologists with more than 20 years of experience in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as innovative laser and endoscopic equipment.
