Erectile dysfunction can be a treatable disease; however it may be a sign of a thriving heart disease as well. To identify it at the right time is important to treat both heart and erectile problem as well.

Let’s see how erection problems are linked with heart diseases:

• Medication conflict: It has been noted that medication for heart diseases sometimes cause erectile problems in men. Harmful effects have also been noticed when medicines for treating erectile dysfunction is consumed when one is on heart disease medication.

• Depression: An erectile dysfunction increases one’s already seeped in depression and makes the condition worse. It lead to anxiety and the person may be too worried about suffering from a heart attack during sex. Such thoughts guided by depression and anxiety leave negative effect on the heart as well.

• Atherosclerosis: is the hardening of arteries cause by plaques which impedes the flow of blood circulating all over the body. Eventually, even a penis lacks the blood infusion when needed and fails to hold an erection. Hence, an erectile dysfunction could be a strong sign of a heart disease.

Other factors inducing the interlinked play of heart and erection problems:

• High Blood Pressure: weakens the arteries lining and increases the process of hardening of the arteries i.e ‘Atherosclerosis’, which ultimately increases the chances of heart attack and erectile dysfunction.

• High Cholesterol & Smoking: both have high potential to cause ‘Atherosclerosis’ hence doubling the chances of heart disease or erectile dysfunction.

• Diabetes: people suffering from diabetes have damaged blood vessels, which are considered the major cause of erectile dysfunction. Other diseases like hypertension and obesity are also likely to cause damage to blood vessels.

Men must not ignore even a slight sign of erectile dysfunction to avoid more devastating heart problems. Heart disease is not a threat when noticed and treated at an early stage. To resolve the medication conflict, consult your doctor and know the side effects of any kind of medication that you take. Be extra cautious when suffering from other diseases which trigger heart and erection problems.

Also Read:

• Brushing Teeth Morning and Night Could Prevent Heart Disease
• Calcium Supplements Lead To Heart Attack
• Diabetic Heart Attack Symptoms : Diabetes symptoms
• Start Early For A Healthy Heart
• Common pain medicine used with aspirin increases heart attack risk

by dr.rajesh moganti on 15. Apr, 2010 in Men's Health