A study that came out of Australia suggests that Erectile Dysfunction, ED, could be an indictor of cardiovascular problems that could lead to heart disease and even early death for some men, even in those who do not have a history of cardiovascular disease. Another study that came out in August 2012 also stated that ED is a risk factor in men 55 years or younger for eventual heart disease.
It isn’t that ED causes the heart disease, but both are more likely to be a result of atherosclerosis, which is thickening of artery walls due to plaque build-up. As the arteries begin to thicker, the blood flow is decreased throughout the body, including to vital organs such as the heart and brain. Blood flow is decreased to the extremities of the body as well, including the genitals, leading to ED.
Future Heart Health Concerns
Researchers suggest that men with any type of ED should be getting a check-up to look for other issues, such as cardiovascular disease. This could help detect problems with the heart and prevent fatal heart attacks or strokes. Prior to the studies coming about the possible link between impotence and cardiovascular disease, doctors assumed that the main cause of ED in younger men was more psychological and didn’t think vascular testing was indicated.
Available Treatments
Usually when ED is diagnosed, medications like sildenafil are given to men to improve vascular function so an erection can be achieved. Sildenafil is sold as Viagra and it is widely known, and popular as a treatment for ED. Drugs in this category help to relax blood vessels so blood flow can improve to extremities, including the genitals. This helps a man achieve an erection sustainable while having sex.
However, with a strong link indicating the possibility of men with ED having cardiovascular disease, doctors will also need to further evaluate patients looking for treatments for ED to see if they do have atherosclerosis and treat them accordingly. Researchers indicated that men with severe ED, and without known cardiovascular disease, were at a 35% greater risk for being hospitalized for cardiovascular problems and 93% of men in the study had an elevated chance of all-cause mortality.
Since ED does seem to be a red flag for cardiovascular disease, doctors may be able to detect problems sooner, which gives them the upper hand in helping treat their patients and their patients living longer, healthier lives.
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