Erectile Dysfunction Is Often a Cardiovascular Signal
The vessels involved are narrower than coronary arteries, which is why symptoms frequently appear years before a cardiac diagnosis.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Adaeze Nwosu, MD
Erectile dysfunction is commonly treated as an isolated problem. It frequently is not. It is a vascular symptom, and the vessels it affects are among the first to show damage.
A question of vessel diameter
Penile arteries are roughly 1 to 2 mm across. Coronary arteries are 3 to 4 mm. The same endothelial dysfunction narrows both, and it becomes symptomatic in the smaller vessels first.
This is why ED can precede a cardiac event by three to five years. It is an early warning, and it is worth acting on rather than only treating the symptom.
What should be checked
- Blood pressure, which is the most common contributor.
- A full lipid panel.
- A1c and fasting glucose.
- Morning testosterone.
Treating the symptom is reasonable and effective. Treating only the symptom, without looking at what it is pointing to, misses the more important finding.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician about your own situation before starting or stopping any medication.
