A poor diet and a family history can lead to heart problems in boys as young as 15 years old.

With heart disease remaining the leading killer in the country, Dr Eric Thompson of Sanford Health wanted to raise awareness as we wrap up Men’s Health Month.

He said testosterone increases the risk of developing heart problems in men, and testosterone supplements can be problematic.

“A bad diet, a bad lifestyle, alcohol, tobacco choices, many of the things that we have come to see in aging are actually part of the choices you make as young people.” said Dr Thompson.

Experts recommend physical exams every three to five years for men under 50 and annual physical exams for older men.

Dr Thompson said those who are overweight are more likely to develop problems.

He also recommends that men over 65 who have smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime have an annual ultrasound.

“People don’t care if they die tomorrow, but if they don’t die, they’re just undermining their health, so it’s less of a quality of life than they could have had with better choices.” Thompson said.

He said eating out, where the food tends to be more fatty, should be a treat and not part of your daily diet.