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A new study has found out a possible link between erectile dysfunction and heart attack in men. According to a doctor in the UK, erectile dysfunction may occur about 2-3 years before the time when heart attack actually happens.
Most of the doctors have been ignoring the warnings of a possible heart attack in future when they normally do medical check-up of men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. This study however, may create more awareness among doctors as well.
What is erectile dysfunction?
It is a sexual condition that is more commonly known as male impotence. Erectile dysfunction is the inability of men to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough to complete a satisfying sexual activity.
Erectile dysfunction primarily occurs due to the low blood circulation in and around areas of penis. The circulation of blood can be low in other parts of the body including heart as well. In medical terms, the loss of erection occurs due to a vascular disease in the smaller arteries.
At present, it is very easy to find out treatment for erectile dysfunction, as there are oral drugs like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. These are prescription-only pills, so should not be taken without a consultation with a doctor.
Some earlier studies have also associated erectile dysfunction with heart attack risks. The new study however, has proved it now and according to the main doctor behind this study, Geoffrey Hackett, erectile dysfunction is not taken upon as a serious health problem, as men still consider it as a recreational issue.
The risks of heart disease in men with erectile dysfunction problems is the same as that among men who suffer from any condition like type 2 diabetes or have any family history of heart disease.
Steps taken by the UK government
The government in the UK says that it has plans in place to reduce the death rate that occurs due to coronary heart disease and stroke among people. It aims at reducing it to 40% by 2010 among people who are under 75 years of age.
Geoffrey Hackett rightly said, “Continuing to ignore these issues on the basis that cardiologists feel uncomfortable mentioning the word ‘erection’ to their patients or that they may have to deal with the management of a positive response is no longer acceptable and possibly, based on current evidence, clinically negligent.”
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