Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Disease

Erectile dysfunction and heart disease share many of the same risk factors and erectile dysfunction is estimated to co-exist with heart disease in 40% of cases.

Heart disease is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction. It is normal for men with heart disease to experience erection problems along with changes to their sex drive. In some cases, the drugs used for treating heart disease can cause erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction can generally be treated in men with stable heart conditions. However all patients with cardiac disease should highlight the condition to their doctor before any treatment is commenced. In addition, medications required to treat heart disease should be discussed as some cannot be given with ED medications.

Known as atherosclerosis, this process narrows the diameter of the artery and impairs blood flow. If a patient is found to have atherosclerosis in any artery, he is likely to have it in many, including those that supply blood to the penis.

Cardiovascular disease is often a result of inadequate physical exercise and a poor diet, high in saturated fat and sodium and low in fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. Risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, raised cholesterol level, smoking and a high alcohol intake are also likely to contribute. Some people may possess a genetic predisposition to the disease.

Cardiovascular disease can be subdivided into four conditions:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)/coronary heart disease (CHD) - disease of the blood vessels that supply the heart
  
• Peripheral arterial disease/peripheral ischaemic disease (PID) - disease of the arteries supplying the legs
  
• Cerebrovascular disease - disease of the arteries of the brain which can lead to stroke
  
• Hypertension or high blood pressure – a disease that contributes to all three of the above.

Erectile dysfunction and CVD

The process of normal erectile function is complex and requires the coordination of various hormones, nerves, vascular and psychological factors. Atherosclerosis which causes CVD is one of the most common erectile dysfunction of ED.

Men are notoriously reticent at seeking help for their health problems, especially when it is something they find embarrassing. However, you should always seek help for ED because it may be the first visible symptom of undiagnosed or hidden cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis develops slowly and it may take many years before it causes any cardiovascular symptoms, but because the arteries in the penis are so small, they may be the first affected. This results in an inadequate supply of blood to the penis on sexual stimulation, which reduces the ability to achieve an erection. Identifying and treating ED will not only help to restore a sexual relationship, but may also allow the diagnosis of underlying disease at an earlier stage, improving the outcome of any treatment.