Erectile Dysfunction May Indicate Future Heart Disease
A new study by Mayo Clinic has found a link between erectile dysfunction in younger men and heart disease. According to the study, men between the ages of 40 and 49 who had erectile dysfunction were twice as likely to have heart disease as other men.
The Mayo researcher also found men with erectile dysfunction are at 80 percent increased heart disease risk.
This study is important because it may be a indication of future coronary risk that doctors and young men can take steps to prevent, according to researcher statements,
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition in men that becomes more common in men as they age. At the age of 40 five to ten percent of men have experienced impotence. By the age of 70 the condition is experienced by 40 to 60 percent of men.
The study did not state a reason for the link between heart disease and erectile dysfunction, but one theory suggests that the penile function and the heart may both be affected by buildup of plaque in the arteries.
The findings of this study suggest a reason that men need to be honest with their doctor about sexual problems. It is no unusual for people to have trouble talking with their doctor about sex, but erectile dysfunction (ED) is not a normal part of aging and may be a harbinger of serious health problems.
According to the Medline website, ED, also called impotence, may also be a sign of nerve damage from diabetes or that blood vessels are clogged. The indication that sexual problems can be an indication of serious diseases means that these symptoms should be neglected.
Erectile dysfunction is defined as being unable to sustain an erections or being able to sustain erections for only brief periods of time.
ED is also caused by other factions. The condition can be the result of certain drugs, medications, smoking, overweight and alcohol use.
For some men, healthy lifestyle changes can bring sexual function back to normal. However, because of the possibility that sexual problems can be a symptom of serious disease, a frank discussion with your doctor may be in order.
Information in this article is for informational purposes only. This information in this article is not intended as medical advice.
Resources
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases
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Published by Christine Bude Nyholm
With over 5 million pages views Christine is one of the top 100 AC Contributors and Won Best of AC for Winter Travel Guides in 2008 and Best of Alternative Health in 2009. Christine's article Shop Around for... View profile
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