If you’re having trouble getting or maintaining an erection, you’re probably quite focused on how to fix that problem. But erectile dysfunction (ED) can sometimes be a warning sign of another, even more troubling condition.
“ED can be a precursor to heart disease, with the ED symptoms showing up long before any signs of heart disease,” says Ryan Gindi, M.D., a cardiologist at Henry Ford Health. “In many men, ED shows up two to five years before heart disease is diagnosed.”
So if you’re having problems in the bedroom, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your heart health too.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
There are several reasons why you might experience ED, and not all of them have a connection to your heart health. Atherosclerosis—a build-up of plaque inside the arteries—is just one cause of ED.
Other common issues that can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction include:
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney disease
- Low testosterone or other hormonal imbalances
- Mental health issues
- Nerve damage
- Sleep apnea
A variety of over-the-counter or prescription medications can also contribute to erectile dysfunction. And some recreational drugs can impact sperm production and quality as well as erectile function.
The Connection Between ED and Heart Disease
Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by plaque build-up in the arteries. As plaque builds up, arteries narrow and less blood can flow through them.
Atherosclerosis can occur in arteries anywhere in the body. When it happens to the vessels in the penis, it blocks the blood flow necessary for an erection. When it happens in the heart, the reduced blood flow can lead to a heart attack. In the arteries that supply the brain, it can cause a stroke.
If plaque build-up is in the early stages, it can impact the penis long before it affects your heart. “The arteries in the penis are much smaller than those in the heart,” explains Dr. Gindi. “So it only takes a small amount of plaque in the arteries to impact blood flow to the penis.”
Studies show that men with ED (especially those under age 60) have a roughly 40% to 50% higher risk of heart disease.
Lifestyle Changes That Improve Heart Health (and ED)
Even if you are already experiencing the early effects of plaque build-up in your arteries, it’s never too late to make healthy changes. “If we can stabilize or even stop the progression, we can keep that plaque from causing trouble,” says Dr. Gindi.
Medications can play an important role in helping to control blood sugar, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. But lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your risk factors for heart disease—sometimes even eliminating the need for medication.
What’s healthy for the blood vessels in the heart is also healthy for those in the brain, the penis and elsewhere throughout the body. You can improve your overall health with changes including:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet (such as the Mediterranean diet) that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, omega-3s and lean protein
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol intake and not smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing and managing stress
- Sleeping 7 to 9 hours each night
Have ED? Talk to Your Doctor About Heart Disease
“Men often neglect going to the doctor for routine health maintenance—including heart disease screening,” says Dr. Gindi. “But they may be more likely to seek help if they’re dealing with ED.”
If that’s you, use the opportunity to discuss whether ED might be a warning sign of heart disease. Your doctor may check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight, screen for sleep apnea and, in some cases, order a coronary calcium scan. The sooner you know, the more steps you can take to keep your heart healthy.
Reviewed by Ryan Gindi, M.D., a cardiologist who sees patients at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Medical Center - Bloomfield Township.
