Erectile dysfunction: an early sign of heart trouble?
The erectile dysfunction men in their forties could be a harbinger of a heart disorder latent. This is indicated by the results of a study conducted by researchers, 1 400 men aged 40 to 79 years followed for ten years.
At baseline, all subjects were sexually active and none had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease. According to the results, men who suffered from erectile dysfunction in their forties saw five-fold increase their risk of suffering from heart disease during subsequent years.
The authors of the study, the effects of the progressive atherosclerosis of coronary arteries was first manifest in the blood vessels of small caliber, such as the penis. These small vessels, which are responsible for erection, would be more sensitive than coronary artery calcification effects that are causing atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis refers to the presence of a plaque on the inner walls of arteries that impedes blood flow. When several key arteries at once, it increases the risk of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
The recommended medical treatment for erectile dysfunction could well contribute to slow or halt the progression of atherosclerosis and prevent the risk of heart disorder, the researchers said. Follow antihypertensive therapy, lose weight and quit smoking could also contribute to treating both erectile dysfunction and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.