Erectile dysfunction linked to heart health

Erectile dysfunction (ED) takes place two to three years before the onset of coronary artery disease, it has been claimed.

A clear relationship between the furring of arteries among those with chronic coronary syndrome and ED has led Italian scientists, publishing their research in today’s online European Heart Journal periodical, to dub impotence the “sentinel of the heart”.

Effort-induced angina pectoris and many arteries narrowed by atherosclerosis are the primary factors relating to higher ED numbers. Of those suffering from both ED and coronary artery disease, 93 per cent reported symptoms of ED one to three years before the onset of angina.

“All men with ED and no cardiac symptoms need a detailed cardiac assessment, blood pressure measurement, fasting lipid profile and glucose, as well as lifestyle advice regarding weight and exercise,” said Dr Graham Jackson of Guy’s hospital in London in an accompanying editorial.

“Those at cardiovascular risk ideally need stress testing and referral for risk reduction therapy, and advice with appropriate follow-up.”

The study points out that as family doctors and urinologists are usually those dealing with ED first-hand, these practitioners will have a key role to play in ensuring that ED as an indicator of potential future heart problems is taken seriously.

“Cardiologists need to be actively involved not only in detecting and treating ED in their own patients, but in working with urological colleagues to develop a multi-disciplinary management plan,” Dr Jackson said.

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