Cardiovascular disease and ED

Erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t just about performance — it could be a sign of something deeper.

As men reach middle age, they may encounter a common issue: plaque buildup in the arteries. This buildup can restrict the amount of oxygen-rich blood that’s able to flow through the arteries.

If the flow of blood to your heart muscle is reduced or blocked, the result can be chest pain or even a heart attack.¹ Given that the arteries to the penis are smaller and prone to earlier blockages, ED could serve as an early indicator of cardiovascular issues.²

of men with ED end up having coronary artery disease²

more likely to have a heart attack³

more likely to have a cardiovascular event³

Your heart might be telling you something

The presence of ED may be your heart’s way to signal impaired blood flow, a key factor in both heart disease and erectile dysfunction. Because sexual problems usually precede the onset of cardiovascular disease, ED should be considered a potential risk factor for cardiac events.²

Your doctor can help

If you are experiencing ED, talk with your doctor about your potential risk for cardiovascular disease. If you’re already taking certain medications such as nitrates for your heart, your doctor will discuss whether ED medications are right for you or whether other options may be more appropriate.⁴

Find a specialist

Explore our physician directory to find a local qualified urologist who specializes in men’s health and erectile dysfunction. They can answer your questions, explain your treatment options, and help you take the next step toward restoring your health and reclaiming control.

Find a physician

References

1 What is Coronary Heart Disease? NIH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease. Accessed May 2024.

2 Gandaglia G, Briganti A, Jackson G, Kloner RA, Montorsi F, Montorsi P, Vlachopoulos C. A systematic review of the association between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Eur Urol. 2014 May;65(5):968-78.

3 Vlachopoulos CV, Terentes-Printzios DG, Ioakeimidis NK, Aznaouridis KA, Stefanadis CI. Prediction of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality with erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2013 Jan 1;6(1):99-109.

4 Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, Culkin DJ, Faraday MM, Hakim LS, Heidelbaugh J, Khera M, McVary KT, Miner MM, Nelson CJ, Sadeghi-Nejad H, Seftel AD, Shindel AW. Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline. J Urol. 2018 Sep;200(3):633-641.

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