According to research published in the journal Circulation, new evidence suggests that developing erectile dysfunction (ED) – the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for and during sexual activity – could be a sign of developing life-threatening cardiovascular disease.
Previous studies have shown that erectile dysfunction might be signal common health issues such as diabetes, hypertension and smoking.
"Our results reveal that erectile dysfunction is, in and of itself, a potent predictor of cardiovascular risk," says Dr Blaha from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
"It is incredible how many men avoid the doctor and ignore early signs of cardiovascular disease, but present for the first time with a chief complaint of ED. This is a wonderful opportunity to identify otherwise undetected high-risk cases."
"The onset of ED should prompt men to seek comprehensive cardiovascular risk evaluation from a preventive cardiologist," adds Blaha.
"It is incredible how many men avoid the doctor and ignore early signs of cardiovascular disease, but present for the first time with a chief complaint of ED. This is a wonderful opportunity to identify otherwise undetected high-risk cases."
According to the Mayo Clinic, erectile dysfunction is typically caused by range of health issues:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Certain prescription medications
- Tobacco use
- Peyronie's disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
- Sleep disorders
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
Or psychological issues:
- Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
- Stress
- Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns
If ED is something that's playing on your mind, check out these 12 tactics to help you get it up.