Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem, particularly for older men, and it can impact on quality of life and relationships. The good news is that it responds well to treatment with over-the-counter medications such as Viagra (available to buy more cheaply online as sildenafil).
Before a doctor or pharmacist issues the ED medication or prescription, they will ask a few questions about your medical history, lifestyle and general state of health. This is to make sure that taking the medication will be safe for you, and also to identify any potential underlying causes of the problem.
This is not meant to discourage you from resolving your ED, but because the condition can be an early indicator of potentially serious health conditions. One of the most frequent physical causes of ED is cardiovascular disease (CVD), and if you have been having persistent trouble with sexual function it could be a warning sign.
Here is a closer look at the link between cardiovascular health and ED, and the preventative measures you can take to protect both your heart and your sexual function.
Why ED can be an early warning sign for heart disease
The ability to get an erection that lasts long enough for a satisfactory sexual experience depends on a good supply of blood to the penile tissues. Because this area of the body is some distance from the heart, and also because the blood vessels in the penis are narrow, any signs of a problem with circulation can manifest here first.
When CVD is present, the arteries become narrowed due to a buildup of fatty deposits, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This causes a reduction in blood flow around the body, and as previously explained, the narrow arteries in the penis are one of the first areas to be notably affected.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is also usually present with CVD, and this can cause damage to the blood vessels, making it more difficult for them to dilate and maintain good circulation.
Shared risk factors
People who have heart disease often have overlapping risk factors that can also contribute to ED, and are serious health risks that should be treated or addressed promptly. For
example, high cholesterol is a major contributor to the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries that can restrict blood flow.
Being overweight or obese is another crossover risk factor, often resulting in clogged arteries and hypertension. Weight problems can lead to diabetes, which can result in damage to the nerves and blood vessels.
Measures to protect and improve your heart health and sexual function
There are plenty of practical steps you can take to prevent or manage both of these conditions.
Lifestyle changes
Regular exercise is key to maintaining the health of your heart, encouraging the efficient circulation of blood around the body.
Exercise also helps to manage weight, reducing the risk of obesity and related conditions such as inflammation, diabetes and hypertension. Further helpful lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, managing stress, limiting alcohol intake, and eating a heart-healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Regular health checkups
Regular health check-ups to monitor and manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels are important, because these can pick up on signs of more serious disease, ensuring early intervention when treatment outcomes are likely to be more favourable.
Last month, the NHS launched a pilot scheme to check up on the health of employees in the workplace, in a bid to prevent heart disease or pick it up in the early stages. The pilot will particularly target men, who on average attend less voluntary health check ups than women.
The initiative was first rolled out in September in London, Kent, and Norfolk, and this month is set to expand to Cambridgeshire and various other locations across central and northern England. Traditionally male-dominated sectors such as manufacturing, construction and transport will be targeted.
All adults in England are offered a free NHS ‘health MOT’ between the ages of 40 and 74, but fewer than half take up the invitation. The checks are a quick and simple process, and each patient will be given tailored feedback with their results and supporting advice about their risk levels and any steps they need to take to prevent or manage certain conditions.
Recent Comments