Have you ever thought that erectile dysfunction is associated with heart problems? Probably not since most men don’t connect the two. But according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, sexual problems often foretell heart problems. Men develop heart disease 10 years earlier, on average, than women do. A key reason erectile dysfunction is considered a barometer for overall cardiovascular health is that the penis, like the heart, is a vascular organ. Because its arteries are much smaller than the heart’s, arterial damage shows up there first—often years ahead of heart disease symptoms. Men in their 40s who have erection problems (but no other risk factors for cardiovascular disease) run an 80 percent risk of developing heart problems within 10 years.
Having a low testosterone level is often thought of as just a diminished sex drive, but it’s increasingly seen as being linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. A growing body of research indicates that “low T” can be considered a cardiovascular and metabolic risk factor.
So what should you do if you experience erectile dysfunction? See a doctor right away. Have a full examination that addresses heart disease, excess weight, blood pressure, and pre-diabetes. Protect yourself from a heart attack or stroke; be proactive with your health.