Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Disease

Heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States is most commonly caused by atheroscerosis (hardening of the arteries). Atherosclerosis can also cause erectile dysfunction in men. Melvyn Rubenfire M.D., director of preventive cardiology the the University of Michigan Health System states that "Erectile dysfunction is much more common in people who have cardiovascular risk factors. Erectile Dysfunction may be a very early sign of atherosclerosis or a risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and other problems."

There are estimates that nearly half of men between the ages of 45 and 65 may have erectile dysfunction. Among those men with erectile dysfunction a common factor for many is poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, Weight problems and uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure.

Smoking is also related to a higher risk of heart disease and smokers have been shown to have a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction. Patients with erectile dysfunction also tend to have higher blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid marker for heart disease.

Men who suffer from ED need to seek medical attention as it could be more than an embarrassing social problem, it should be treated as a potentially serious medical condition.

Heart disease is also preventable; quit smoking, start exercising, eat a balanced diet while limiting high fat foods and follow your doctors treatment plan if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.

Remember there are many possible causes for erectile dysfunction but don't assume that it is not serious or not worth seeing a doctor for. It could be an early symptom of a serious problem.