Men's cardiovascular and pulmonary health

Heart disease in men is declining steadily, but it remains the number one killer of men in the United States. CLRD, influenza/pneumonia, and lung cancer are three more causes of top 10 mortalities in men. Epidemiological and clinical studies conclude that CVD is largely preventable through lifestyle modification. CHD, COPD, occupational lung disease, and lung cancer are all preventable by primary prevention (ie, no cigarette smoking). All men should be counseled about the grave significance of heart and lung disease as a cause of illness and death, the importance of primary prevention, and the great variability in symptom presentation. Nurses are in the ideal position to educate patients, families, and colleagues about heart and lung disease.