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The Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Disease
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The Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Disease
Have you heard the expression "a canary in a coal mine?" Miners used to carry caged canaries while at work to detect carbon monoxide. The birds would die before the levels of gas became hazardous to miners. This signal became a fail-safe for the teams of men and women.
Our bodies have some fail-safe alarms, too. In fact, men have a warning signal that should never be ignored: erectile dysfunction (ED). Believe it or not, difficultly or inability to get an erection when aroused can be your body's way of telling you to take a look at your heart health.
Understanding the Link
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. The fatty build-up around the heart often causes no symptoms until you're having chest pain or even a full-blown heart attack. Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when fatty build-up in the arteries of the heart makes them narrower and can cause a heart attack.
Erections occur when your brain sends signals that allow arteries in your penis to open completely. Extra blood is delivered to the penis through these arteries, which are much smaller within the penis than in other parts of the body, including the heart. If your arteries are blocked, you might have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection.
ED happens before CAD is detected in almost 70% of cases. It's important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you have ED, so that you can be evaluated for CAD.
How to Reduce Your Risk: Your Treatment Options
Whether your ED is caused by CAD, stress, diabetes, obesity, or any other factors, you shouldn't be embarrassed or feel like it's something you should have to live with.
“There are many treatment options to choose from, which can seem a little overwhelming,” says James Hotaling, MD, a urologist at University of Utah Health. “At University of Utah Health, we help counsel patients by choosing a treatment that works best for you, for your lifestyle, and for your partner.
Treatments for erectile dysfunction include:
Hotaling recommends these lifestyle changes to lower your risk of ED and to keep your heart healthy:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise
- Eating healthy
“Smoking damages the lining of your arteries, so quitting is great first step toward a healthy heart and normal erections,” Hotaling says. “Exercise and a healthy diet will also reduce cholesterol and lower your blood pressure, helping you get on the road to a healthier heart and maybe a more satisfying sex life."
If you have concerns about ED, talk with your medical provider. They will help address your concerns and get you started on a treatment plan.
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Treating Erectile Dysfunction without Surgery
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than many men realize and is often linked to a mix of physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Learn about the signs to watch for, what to expect at your first appointment, and the non-surgical treatment options that can help restore confidence and sexual health.
