Strong link found between impotence and heart attacks

Impotence has long been attributed with stress, inadequate blood supplies and a range of medical conditions. Experts have now uncovered that it may well be linked to cardiovascular disease.

During a study over 1,500 men, all of whom suffered with heart conditions, doctors discovered that patients who were impotent had an increased chance of heart attacks and death.

Reports state

The study which was conducted at the University of Saarland suggests that impotence sufferers should be checked over for cardiovascular disease. Other health experts are calling for general heart screening for all over 40s.

As established, impotence is strongly linked with blood flow to the arties of the penis and doctors believe that for some men, regular episodes could well be a strong indication that these arteries are narrowing.

The study

The research which looked into whether impotence sufferers were inclined to suffer heart attacks, involved males who had already suffered with cardio vascular conditions. Experts used subjects from 13 separate countries worldwide.

Whilst being twice as likely to suffer a fatality or to have a heart attack, men with impotence were in fact 10% more inclined to suffer a stroke and 20% more likely to be rushed to hopsital due to heart failure.

Head of the study, Michael Bohm claims that men who take impotence treatments are advised to seek medical advice. He also goes on to state that it would be in the interest of their long term health, to ensure that they are checked out for the signs of cardiovascular disease.

However, as he explains, this is not always possible. “The medication works and the patient doesn't show up anymore," claims Mr Bohm.

"These men are being treated for the erectile dysfunction, but not the underlying cardiovascular disease. A whole segment of men is being placed at risk" he added.