Two Studies Link Erectile Dysfunction with Cardiovascular Disease
Johns Hopkins Prostate Disorders Health Alerts reports on two new studies which link ED to heart health, and diabetes.
New York, NY (PRWEB) March 18, 2008 -- Two recent studies reviewed by Johns Hopkins Prostate Disorders Health Alerts have added to the growing body of evidence that erectile dysfunction is not simply a threat to a healthy sex life, but a barometer of overall health, particularly heart health.
Erectile dysfunction linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes:
A study of nearly 4,000 men with an average age of 57 reported that nearly 50% had experienced erectile dysfunction (ED) in the last month or were taking ED medications.
The development of erectile dysfunction was strongly related to the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, probably because of their negative effects on blood vessel function.
The relationship between ED and CVD or diabetes was most pronounced among men age 40-49. In these men, the probability of having ED was 31% in the absence of either medical condition, but rose to 52% in men with CVD alone, and to 73% in those who had CVD and diabetes. The relationship between erectile dysfunction and CVD or diabetes was apparent in all age groups, but declined with age.
The researchers also reported a significant association between erectile dysfunction and undiagnosed diabetes or elevated glucose levels that put the men at risk for diabetes. Erectile dysfunction also correlated with the presence of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of heart disease risk factors. This study was reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine (Volume 166, page 213).
Erectile dysfunction (ED) may signal undiagnosed heart problems:
Cardiovascular disease is known to increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. But another new study suggests that ED can also be an important warning sign of unsuspected heart disease.
The participants, all age 55 or older, were taken from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT), which tested the benefits of finasteride (Proscar) in preventing prostate cancer among nearly 19,000 men. This study was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Volume 294, page 2996).
The current study analyzed information on the 4,247 men in the placebo group who had no erectile dysfunction or cardiovascular disease at the outset of the PCPT. Five years later, 57% of them had developed erectile problems. At seven years, the percentage had climbed to 65%.
During the same follow-up period, men who developed ED were 25% more likely than men who did not have ED to experience some kind of cardiovascular event, such as angina (chest pain), a heart attack, or a stroke.
Bottom Line Advice:
As a cardiovascular risk factor, ED ranks with current smoking or a family history of heart attacks. If someone develops ED, therefore, it is not merely a lifestyle issue. ED is an important warning of the risk of cardiovascular disease, and should prompt an investigation of your cardiovascular status and appropriate treatment when necessary.
It is also important to note that the popular erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra (originally developed as a heart medication), Levitra, and Cialis, have been linked to heart-related side effects.
These ED drugs function to cause a dilation of general blood vessels, as well as the vessels that allow erection of the penis. Sudden drops in blood pressure from this dilation have been known to bring on cardiac events. In addition, these drugs should NOT be taken with nitrate medications prescribed for angina.
Being heart smart, especially if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, is the best way to maintain not only your overall health, but your sexual health as well.
For the latest Johns Hopkins Health Alerts on prostate disorders, please visit the Prostate Health Alerts Topic Page:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts_index/prostate_disorders/25-1.html
For more information on prostate disorders such as BPH, prostate cancer, Johns Hopkins Medicine publishes three invaluable periodicals:
The quarterly Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin:
Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin
The annual Johns Hopkins Prostate Disorders White Paper:
Johns Hopkins Prostate whote Paper
and Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Prostate Cancer:
Johns Hopkins Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Prostate Cancer
Written by experts from Johns Hopkins Medicine and the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins, these publications provide the information men need to make informed decisions about their health.
For a copy of the free special report "Johns Hopkins 7 Keys to Treating Prostate Cancer" please visit:
Johns Hopkins 7 Keys to Treating Prostate Cancer
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