Erectile dysfunction, or the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex, can be an early warning sign of current or future heart problems. If you are diagnosed with a heart disease, getting the right treatment may also help with erectile dysfunction.
A buildup of plaque in the arteries of your body is known to be the reason why erectile dysfunction commonly precedes heart problems. The idea was: plaque reduces blood flow in the penis, making an erection difficult. However, experts now believe that erectile dysfunction preceding heart problems is more often due to the dysfunction of the inner lining of the blood vessels and smooth muscle. Endothelial (inner lining of blood vessels) dysfunction causes an inadequate supply of blood to the heart and impaired blood flow to the penis, hence, aiding in the development of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the arteries.
According to a study on male reproductive health, erectile dysfunction does not always indicate an underlying health problem. But research still suggests that men with erectile dysfunction who have no obvious cause, like trauma, and have no heart disease symptoms should be screened first for possible heart problems before starting any treatment.
Erectile dysfunction and heart disease also share many risk factors, such as diabetes, tobacco use, alcohol use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, low testosterone, and age. Consulting our clinic and professionals of urology in Tucson, Arizona, will help you rule out either of these two problems and administer proper treatment. You will also be able to make necessary lifestyle changes that improve heart and penis health once an assessment is done.
Call Choi Urology today and learn more about our services for men’s health in Arizona.