Erectile Dysfunction and its Link to Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Hardening of the arteries, atherosclerosis can also cause erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction is far more common in men with cardiovascular risk factors and could be an early sign of atherosclerosis or a risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, or other problems. Studies show that nearly half of men between the ages of 45 and 65 may have erectile dysfunction. Among the men with erectile dysfunction many have poor dietary habits, lack of consistent exercise, high blood pressure, and weight problems. Smoking is also related to a higher risk of heart disease. Smokers have been shown to have a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction.
Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction should seek medical attention as the condition may be more than just an embarrassing social problem. Erectile dysfunction should be treated as a potentially serious medical condition. If atherosclerosis has narrowed and stiffened the coronary arteries it is possible the arteries elsewhere in the body have also been affected. Atherosclerosis can prevent enough blood flow from reaching the heart, brain, legs, and penis. When atherosclerosis affects the blood flow to the penis, the blood is unable to sufficiently fill the penis to allow a suitable erection.
Experts have suggested that if a man has not been diagnosed with heart problems, they should consider erectile dysfunction a wake up call. The potential of erectile dysfunction could be a warning sign that the blood vessels leading into the heart may also be in trouble. The arteries supplying the penis are smaller than the ones leading to the heart which would make symptoms show up as erectile dysfunction. Men should also be aware that if they take medication for depression and have sexual side effects, they may want to increase the dosage or add another medication to offset the effects on erectile dysfunction.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease which may contribute to erectile dysfunction include diabetes which is partially due to the diabetes related damage to blood vessels that supply the penis. Obesity and high cholesterol are also risk factors that raise the risk of erectile dysfunction. High blood pressure also damages the lining of the arteries and accelerates the process of atherosclerosis. This can lead to cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction. Men who have had a heart attack or surgery to treat their heart disease are often anxious about resuming an active sex life. Despite this fear, intercourse seldom causes heart attacks. Sexual activity with your partner does not lead to a high level of blood pressure or heart rate. Men should talk to their doctor to determine when they can resume sexual activity after heart problems or surgery.
Though developing erectile dysfunction is distressing, the condition may be a lifesaver in the long run. Your doctor may be able to determine if there’s a risk of possible cardiovascular disease. Talking to your doctor about any other cardiovascular risk factors you have, including obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and elevated lipids, may help you prevent heart disease. Making simple lifestyle changes to treat these risk factors may also improve your ability to have an erection.
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