When men experience erectile dysfunction (ED), it’s easy to chalk it up to aging, stress, or even low testosterone. But what many don’t realize is that ED can be more than just a sexual health issue; it may be one of the earliest warning signs of heart disease.
In fact, the link between erectile dysfunction and heart disease is well-established in medical research. Understanding this connection may improve your sex life and save your life.
The penis relies on healthy blood vessels to achieve an erection. When those blood vessels are damaged or narrowed, often due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), blood flow is restricted. This is the same process that can affect coronary arteries and lead to a heart attack.
Here’s why that matters: the arteries in the penis are smaller than those in the heart. So, symptoms like ED can appear years before more obvious signs of heart disease, like chest pain or shortness of breath. Research shows that ED is present in more than 50% of men with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Erectile dysfunction and heart disease often share the same underlying risk factors, including:
If you’re dealing with ED and also have any of these risk factors, it’s a strong signal to get your cardiovascular health evaluated.
Below is a breakdown of what to do if you’re exhibiting the risk factors listed above:
Have your numbers checked. Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and testosterone levels all play a role in sexual and heart health.
Make lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking, improving your diet, losing weight, and exercising regularly can dramatically improve both ED and heart disease risk.
Treat the root cause. Whether it’s medication, hormone therapy, Intrapulse Sound Wave therapy, or lifestyle intervention, working with a medical provider to treat the source of your ED is essential.
Think of erectile dysfunction not as a standalone issue, but as the body’s early warning sign. It’s telling you that something deeper may be going on, something that could impact not just your sex life, but your longevity.
ED might feel like a private, even shameful, problem, but addressing it openly could lead to better overall health. In many cases, improving cardiovascular health not only reduces the risk of a heart attack or stroke but also reverses ED.
If you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction, don’t ignore it or just cover it up. Now is your chance to take control of your health before something more serious happens. Northeast Men’s Health believes in treating the root cause of ED, especially if it concerns your heart.
If you’re looking for a men’s health practice that offers erectile dysfunction treatment in New England, contact Northeast Men’s Health today for a consultation. We have locations in Dedham, Massachusetts, Marlborough, Massachusetts, Woburn, Massachusetts, Salem, New Hampshire, Farmington, Connecticut, and Warwick, Rhode Island, and we are eager to help you find personalized treatment for your ED.
