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Erectile dysfunction: A sign of heart disease?

Erectile Dysfunction

The same process that creates heart disease may also cause erectile dysfunction, only earlier.

Erectile dysfunction — the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex — can be an early warning sign of current or future heart problems. Understand the connection and what you can do about it.

How are erectile dysfunction and heart problems linked?

In the past, the buildup of plaques in the arteries of your body was believed to be the reason why erectile dysfunction often precedes heart problems. The idea was that plaque buildup reduces blood flow in the penis, making an erection difficult.
However, experts now believe that erectile dysfunction preceding heart problems is more often due to the dysfunction of the inner lining of the blood vessels (endothelium) and smooth muscle. Endothelial dysfunction causes inadequate blood supply to the heart and impaired blood flow to the penis, and aids in the development of atherosclerosis.

How strong is the connection between erectile dysfunction and heart problems?

Erectile dysfunction does not always indicate an underlying heart problem. However, research suggests that men with erectile dysfunction who have no obvious cause, such as trauma, and who have no symptoms of heart problems should be screened for heart disease too.

What are the risk factors?

Besides sharing a common disease process, erectile dysfunction and heart disease also share many risk factors, including:

  • Diabetes. Men who have diabetes are at high risk of ED and heart disease.
  • Tobacco use. Smoking increases your risk of developing vascular disease and can cause ED.
  • Alcohol Use. Drinking too much alcohol can cause heart disease and might contribute to other causes of heart disease, such as high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol. Alcohol also impairs erections.
  • High blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure damages the lining of your arteries and accelerates the process of vascular disease. Certain high blood pressure medications, such as thiazide diuretics, can also affect sexual function.
  • High cholesterol. A high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis.
  • Age. As you get older, erections might take longer to develop and might not be as firm. The younger you are, the more likely that ED signals a risk of heart disease. Men younger than 50 are at especially high risk. In men older than 70, erectile dysfunction is much less likely to be a sign of heart disease.
  • Obesity. Excess weight typically worsens other risk factors for heart disease.
  • Low testosterone. Men with low testosterone have higher rates of ED and cardiovascular disease compared to men with normal testosterone levels.

What are the treatment options for erectile dysfunction caused by heart disease?

If your doctor thinks you might be at risk of ED or heart disease, consider making lifestyle changes. Increase your physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking and drinking. However, further tests or treatment might be needed if you have more-serious signs and symptoms of ED.

If you have both erectile dysfunction and heart disease, talk to your doctor about treatment options. If you take certain heart medications, especially nitrates, it is not safe to use many of the medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. Consult a sexologist at the earliest as it could save your life by many years.

doctorsharmila
Dr. Sharmila Majumdar is the First Female Sexologist in India, who specializes in Female & Male Sexual Dysfunction & Mental Health. Her professional experience comprises of National and International Consultations, co-authoring a Medical Handbook on “Male Infertility and Andrology”, Journal Publications, Presentations as a guest faculty at National & International Conferences on Sexology, Endocrinology, Gynecology & Psychology. She is also a Guest lecturer in several medical colleges in India. Dr. Sharmila Majumdar has also won an award for the best Presentation in Female Sexual Dysfunction in the National Conference of Sexology in 2008. She is also a columnist in leading local newspapers. She is a guest editor and a contributor in several medical portals and magazines. Dr. Sharmila Majumdar has rich experience of 11 years in the area of Sexual & Mental Health. She has successfully treated hundreds of patients globally. Her primary motto is optimal Sexual & Mental Health in Men and Women. She is up-to-date with the latest advancement in the emerging field of Sexual & Mental Health for the well-being of her patients. She strongly believes in the right to Physical, Sexual and Mental wellness. DR. SHARMILA MAJUMDAR IS AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION AT AVIS HOSPITAL, SEXUAL & MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC, HYDERABAD – 500033, TELENGANA, INDIA

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