Why is erectile dysfunction a sign of heart disease

Michael Joseph Blaha, M. More than 30 percent of men ages 40—70 have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection. Many men assume erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a psychological problem. However, research suggests that underlying vascular blood vessel problems are the most common cause of ED. And those underlying problems can also put men at risk for other serious medical problems.

ED is a common phenomenon among men who have coronary heart disease , says Johns Hopkins cardiologist Michael J. VigRX Plus is marketed as a safe supplement to enhance sexual performance, but does it actually work?

We review the research. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. ED and Heart Disease. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. ED and your heart. Risk factors for ED and heart disease. What you can do now. Read this next. Blood Tests for Erectile Dysfunction. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph. Weinberg and Siegelbaum add that erectile dysfunction can be more than just a sexual issue — it could be an early indicator of heart disease. Please provide your email address and phone number and a Chesapeake Urology representative will contact you shortly to assist with your question or issue.

February 11th, Chesapeake Urology. Contact Us. In addition to cardiovascular disease, other underlying medical concerns may be causing ED: Diabetes which causes damage to the nerves or blood vessels that control the flow of blood to the penis and cause an erection.

Visit Mayo Clinic Men's Health to get started. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Erectile dysfunction: A sign of heart disease? Products and services. Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Sign up now.

The same process that creates heart disease may also cause erectile dysfunction, only earlier. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Erectile dysfunction care at Mayo Clinic. Show references Raheem OA, et al. The association of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease: A systematic critical review. American Journal of Men's Health.