Men with erectile dysfunction more likely to develop cardiovascular problems

While the TV commercials seem to be saying that erectile dysfunction (ED) is nothing to worry about and can simply be cured by taking a little blue pill, a new study indicates that ED may be a more serious condition to contend with and is not to be taken so lightly. German researchers have recently stated that men who suffer from erectile dysfunction are 1.6 times more likely to suffer from a serious cardiovascular condition – such as a heart attack or stroke – than those men who do not report such a disorder.  Moreover, men who have a combination of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases are twice as likely to die from various causes as men who do not have the dysfunction.  Their findings, published in the American Heart Association’s Journal, Circulation, explore the very important, yet often untreated group of men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction in combination with underlying problems in cardiovascular health.

The researchers evaluated 1500 men from different countries who had heart disease.  They were asked to fill out questionnaires that included questions about erectile dysfunction.  The men reported how severe their impotency was and participated in follow-ups after two years and a final examination after five.  During this span of time, some of the men received heart disease medications to relax the muscles, while others were given placebos.  At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that the men suffering from erectile dysfunction also suffered in other areas, including hypertension, diabetes, and urinary tract infections.  Additionally, men who suffered from impotency had a higher rate of death (at eleven percent) than those who did not have erectile dysfunction, whose rate of death was five percent.  The study showed that the risk of death greatly increased with the progression of the impotency.

Many men with erectile dysfunction are only treated for that specific, immediate problem, as indicated by the barrage of Viagra commercials.  The researchers, however, hope that this study sheds light on a possible underlying and more serious problem.  They encourage men with impotency to also be evaluated for any cardiovascular problems, as well as change lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and exercise.  Furthermore, although erectile dysfunction can slow you down in the bedroom, the possible cardiovascular link can have far more limiting consequences, including disability, stroke, heart attack, and even death.  If you suffer from impotency or if you know someone who does, you are encouraged to seek the advice of a health care professional to get tested for any heart related complications.  The fact is, you can only enjoy the benefits of the little blue pill if you are around and healthy enough to participate.