Heart Health and Erectile Dysfunction
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects >30% of men between 40 and 70 years of age. It often presents with changes in the ability to get or maintain a rigid erection suitable for satisfactory intercourse. There are several different causes for ED, including depression, low testosterone, nerve problems, some medications, lifestyle, and problems with blood vessels called atherosclerosis.
What is atherosclerosis?
Blood is carried throughout our body in blood vessels, insuring our heart, organs, and other tissue receive oxygen and nutrients. Overtime, cholesterol builds up in the walls of our arteries throughout our body, reducing blood flow. For men, this can sometimes show up initially as erectile dysfunction because blood flow to the penis is impaired. Later as atherosclerosis becomes more advanced other areas like the heart can show signs of atherosclerosis, such as chest pain or angina. It is important to note that erectile dysfunction is incredible common in men with cardiovascular heart disease, and precedes heart attacks or chest pain by 3-5 years. As a result erectile dysfunction is a warning sign that you may be at risk of heart disease.
Does ED really increase the risk of heart disease?
Researchers looked at the The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis to answer this question. A total of 1,914 participants were included, average age of 69. Over the course of 3.8 years, a greater proportion of cardiovascular events (non fatal MI, death due to heart disease…) occurred in people with ED. In fact, erectile dysfunction carried a 90% increased risk of cardiovascular event compared to people without ED.
What to do next?
Not being able to achieve or maintain an erection for intercourse is a key indication for erectile dysfunction, as well as cardiovascular disease. Functional blood tests can be done to determine if you are at risk of heart disease and look for the cause of erectile dysfunction. If you have questions about how functional medicine can help ED and heart disease, schedule a free 15 minute meet and greet appointment.
Dr. Brandon Testa, ND has received advanced training from the Institute of Functional Medicine on cardiovascular and metabolic conditions and offers advanced lab testing to help you better understand your risk of heart disease. He will work with you to provide a personalized treatment plan that can include nutritional recommendations, meal planning, physical activity guidance, and advice on supplemental and herbal treatments.