This article looks at the possible link between ED and cardiovascular disease. There does appear to be evidence to suggest it does.
What Will I Learn
Is Cardiovascular Disease a Cause of Erectile Dysfunction?
You may have heard there is a link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease; now you are wondering if it is true.
The answer to that question may scare you. Especially if you suffer from ED.
Research shows there is a strong link between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. The results of several studies show men who have ED have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
In fact, you may be surprised to learn men who have ED face a similar level of risk as men who smoke or have a history of heart disease in their family.
Of course, ED doesn’t cause heart problems, it just indicates a problem may be imminent or already there.
Erectile Dysfunction – What You Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction refers to a man’s inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for sexual intercourse.
It’s a very frustrating condition for men who have the problem and for their partners as well. ED is also more common than you may think. It affects one in ten men.
It’s important not to confuse ED with the occasional problems many men experience from time to time due to fatigue, excessive alcohol consumption, or other factors.
ED is not an occasional failing, it’s a long-term issue. You can be well-rested and free from drugs and alcohol but still suffer from erectile dysfunction.
An inability to attain an erection could have a physical cause, a psychological one, or a combination of the two.
So why does it happen? What’s really going on when you get hit with ED?
Three things are necessary before the penis can become erect.
- The penis needs to receive an adequate supply of blood
- The nerves to the penis have to be functioning correctly
- There has to be a signal from the brain
When something interferes with one or more of these things, the system breaks down and you get ED.
Erectile Dysfunction as a Sign of Cardiovascular Disease
Certain chronic diseases can interfere with the normal working of things and cause ED. As already mentioned at the beginning of this article, this includes cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol are some of the prime offenders and, let’s not forget, cardiovascular diseases of all types are some of Mother Nature’s most dangerous silent assassins. Many people don’t realize a problem is there until it is too late.
Needless to say, these issues interfere with a man’s ability to gain an erection by reducing blood supply to the penis.
You may also be shocked to learn cardiovascular diseases are responsible for 70 percent of cases of (physical-related) ED. Furthermore, atherosclerosis is responsible for 50-60 percent of ED cases in men aged 60+.
A Look at Some of the Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction
As well as being problems that often go hand in hand, ED and cardiovascular disease also have many common risk factors.
High Blood Pressure
If the condition is allowed to continue, high blood pressure can damage the lining of your arteries. If you think your blood pressure is high, seeking expert medical advice is always advisable.
However, if you are already receiving treatment, it may be the cause of your ED because some blood pressure medications can impair sexual function.
If you have ED and think your medication may be the cause of your problem, the best thing to do is share your concerns with your doctor. A change of medication could help you regain your sexual vigor.
High Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein).
LDL is the “bad” type and poor food choices are one of several factors that can cause your bad cholesterol levels to build up.
When LDL cholesterol levels are too high, it can cause atherosclerosis. This is a condition where the walls of the blood vessels are narrowed by the build-up of plaque.
When this happens it can restrict blood flow to the penis and cause ED. It also puts extra strain on the heart. [1]
Diabetes
Diabetes increases the risk of ED and cardiovascular disease.
Smoking
Smoking is bad for the heart. Most people know that, but few men who smoke realize their habit can also cause ED.
Smoking is hostile to most of the organs in the body including the lungs, eyes, and bladder. It also impairs blood vessel function and increases the risk of atherosclerosis. [2]
Alcohol
Men who drink alcohol responsibly may be okay, but drinking too much too often increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and ED.
As well as placing a strain on the liver and other important organs, alcohol can also elevate blood pressure and cholesterol.
This is in addition to the short-term effect it can have on male sexual potency so if you are overly-fond of a drink beware.
Obesity
Obesity is is another factor that can influence erection quality and heart health.
Men who let their weight get out of control face a greater risk of developing high blood pressure and are more prone to high cholesterol levels and diabetes; all of which are linked to ED.
Low Testosterone
Testosterone is the male sex hormone so it’s not surprising low testosterone levels are one of the main causes of ED. Research shows low testosterone may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Can Cardiovascular Disease Cause Erectile Dysfunction Summary
There is a link between ED and cardiovascular disease. It’s not a myth. Science proves it.
That being the case, it’s advisable for men who are struggling with ED to visit a doctor and get their health checked out.
ED can occur for a variety of other reasons. It does not always indicate a risk of cardiovascular disease but, bearing in mind the possible dangers, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The lifestyle choices men make can also greatly increase the chances of them developing both these undesirable conditions.
Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption is a good way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and ED.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that’s low in sugar and unsaturated fats is a good move as well.
There are also natural supplements that can help your circulation such as ginkgo biloba.
It may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and could help you shed excess weight too. All of these things could change your sex life for the better and help you go on enjoying sex for many years to come.
