Erectile dysfunction could be a symptom of heart disease

Published September 3, 2019

Published

Group of men after a game of basketball.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a symptom of other conditions like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. If you have ED, it's important to get it checked out.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a difficult topic for men to discuss. But the truth is, ED becomes more common with age and in many cases – up to 70 percent – it is a symptom of other conditions like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. Studies show that in men who begin to experience ED issues and have no other medical problems, within five to seven years there is a high likelihood they are going to develop some element of heart disease.

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To schedule a confidential appointment with our Men's Health Program, call 800.922.0000.

Diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure cause damage to the small blood vessels in the body and most vessels that go to the penis are very small. This damage is only partially reversible.

If you have ED, it is important to see a health care provider for evaluation. Our Men's Health Program specializes in identifying and treating the underlying problems for your symptoms whenever possible, which in many cases, you didn’t even know you had. We will address any underlying health issues to prevent them from becoming bigger health issues in the future as well as slow the progression of ED.

This typically involves a multi-step approach that includes medications and lifestyle changes to improve symptoms like quitting smoking, exercising and losing weight. If lifestyle changes and medications don’t improve your ED, there are other options that can be considered, including oral or injection therapy or even surgery. Many men’s clinics will give you a pill for your ED and move on. We are about treating all of your issues so you can have better health over the long term.