Erectile dysfunction linked to heart disease

Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction can face a substantially higher risk of developing cardio-vascular disease.

The news comes at the end of a 12-year study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, which found that men who could not achieve erection were 40 per cent more likely to contract the potentially fatal heart condition.

This is a logical link, health experts say, because the same artery-blocking conditions that reduce blood flow to the brain and heart can also decrease blood flow to the penis. Indeed, this is not the first time that the connection between impotence and heart problems has been suggested. For year, doctors have been arguing this point and the latest study comes in addition to much other evidence.

It seems that erectile dysfunction can now be placed alongside other health issues, including high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol, as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While the news may seem negative, doctors say there is definitely a positive element to knowing this – doctors will now be better equipped to predict who might be at risk of developing heart problems.

The man in charge of the study, Andre Araujo, said: “if a man presents with erectile dysfunction, the physician should work him up for cardiovascular disease.” By simply asking a man whether he has problems achieving erection, a doctor can avoid complicated or costly tests, and find out straight away whether there is a risk of cardiovascular problems.

Erectile dysfunction is a remarkably common problem, with estimates suggesting half of all men will experience the problem between the ages of 40 and 70. Now more than ever, anyone affected by the condition should not be afraid to consult with a trained medical professional.