Experts warn that erectile dysfunction (ED) may be a sign of serious cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.
Erectile Dysfunction and Your Health: 5 Things You Need to Know | Johns Hopkins Medicine
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/erectile-dysfunction-and-your-health-5-things-you-need-to-know
Erectile Dysfunction Can Be a Warning Sign of a Serious Heart Issue, Experts Warn : ScienceAlert
https://www.sciencealert.com/erectile-dysfunction-may-be-an-early-sign-of-disease-experts-warn
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a disorder that can be caused by various factors and can occur in young people, but its prevalence increases with age. More than 30% of men aged 40-70 experience problems with erections or maintaining erections. However, because erections are closely related to sexual life, many people hesitate to consult a doctor about ED. A 2022 survey showed that more than half of people said they would refrain from seeking medical treatment even if they experienced ED.
However, Michael Blaha, professor of cardiology and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, states, 'Many men think erectile dysfunction is a psychological problem, but research suggests that the most common cause of erectile dysfunction is a vascular problem,' warning that erectile dysfunction can be a sign of cardiovascular disease and other issues.
For example, a 2010 meta-analysis of seven
Coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the heart, and when plaque accumulates in them and blood flow to the heart decreases, coronary artery disease occurs. Erection also requires healthy blood flow, and it is said that endothelial dysfunction , which is an early stage of coronary artery disease and prevents blood vessels from dilating properly, affects the blood vessels of the penis in many cases.
In fact, Viagra (sildenafil) , known as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, was originally developed as a treatment for angina , a condition caused by abnormalities in the coronary arteries. ScienceAlert, a science media outlet, states, 'Heart disease and erectile dysfunction probably have a common origin. After all, the function of both organs is heavily dependent on the body's vascular system.'
Furthermore, erectile dysfunction is also thought to be associated with type 2 diabetes, with an estimated 50% or more of men with diabetes experiencing erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction and type 2 diabetes share common mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, autonomic neuropathy, and decreased hormone levels, suggesting that erectile dysfunction may be a useful early indicator of insulin resistance , a condition in which the effects of insulin , which is involved in regulating blood glucose levels, weaken.
Furthermore, a 2025 study revealed that men with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more than twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction. This finding is thought to be due to factors such as changes in hormone secretion caused by a deterioration of the gut environment, and chronic inflammation causing problems in the vascular system.
On the other hand, a 2023 study reported that men with erectile dysfunction and known risk factors for cardiovascular disease who took medications like Viagra experienced health benefits such as a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality, a 39% reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality, a 17% reduction in heart failure incidence, and a 15% reduction in revascularization procedures.
Because erectile dysfunction is something many men find embarrassing, many men don't even consult a doctor. On the other hand, men who do seek medical attention for erectile dysfunction are so preoccupied with their problems in the bedroom that they sometimes forget to mention other symptoms of heart disease, such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
Dr. Tobias Kohler, a urologist at the Mayo Clinic, a general hospital in Minnesota, USA, argued in clinician guidelines that erectile dysfunction is not just a quality-of-life issue, but a warning sign of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Kohler recommends that all healthcare professionals ask patients, 'Are you having any problems with erections?'
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