Erectile Dysfunction Could Be Linked With Heart Disease

[TruthOut10]

Concerns around erectile dysfunction typically focus on a man's inability to have sex. As serious a problem as this is, studies point to a more devastating issue that could be behind having difficulty maintaining an erection: heart disease.

Research has connected erectile dysfunction with heart disease in men between the ages of 30 to 60 for years, but it is still not commonly known among the public. "You hear about men who pass away from heart disease," began Dr. Kevin Billups, director of Johns Hopkins Hospital's Integrative Men’s Health Program, "and their wives find Viagra [in their belongings] and they didn't even know they had a problem."

For many men, experiencing erectile dysfunction is the first signal of risk factors which, if unchecked, can lead to heart disease, according to doctors. "The likelihood of having heart disease at some point is two to three times higher in those who have ED than those who don’t," said Dr. Mehdi Shishehbor, a cardiology specialist at Cleveland Clinic.

But why would a problem affecting your penis signal a larger problem with your heart? "The penile arteries are much smaller than the arteries that supply blood to the heart, brain or lower extremities, and will block faster," explained Dr. Billups. "Erectile dysfunction will often appear as a symptom years before the heart attack. The other reason is that the penis is more sensitive [than other organs] to early changes associated with increased risk of heart disease, such as inflammation and oxidative stress."

Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries around the heart harden and narrow, making it more difficult for much-needed blood to reach the heart muscles. A number of variables (high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking and/or diabetes, for example) cause this hardening, which can lead to chest pain or even a heart attack.

"The same process can happen in the pelvis," Dr. Shishehbor explained. "The same risk factors that apply to coronary artery disease are the same risk factors that apply to blockages in the penis. Over the years blockages form and prevent blood from getting to the penis. In order to get an erection we need blood flow to the penis.

Erectile Dysfunction Could Be Linked With Heart Disease

 

[Moonglow]

True since ED meds are for circulation. Fortunately that is one medical condition I do not suffer from.

 

[waltky]

Most coronary heart disease preventable...

Doctors Say Most Heart Disease Preventable
March 06, 2013 - Coronary heart disease is the number one killer, worldwide, of men and women over the age of 60. But people of all ages succumb to heart attacks each year. And while death rates have declined in the U.S. and many western European countries, mortality is on the rise in the developing world. Yet most heart disease is preventable.

No one would have guessed that Barbara Teng would have a heart attack. She was not overweight. She did not smoke. But she also did not exercise. “In 2004, the week after I turned 49, when I was on a business trip in Chicago, I had a major heart attack," she said. And that changed her life. She now exercises daily, monitors her heart health, and speaks at events held by Sister to Sister, a heart health program for women. Susan Gurley, the organization's director, says the message is urgent. "Heart disease is 82 percent preventable and it is the leading cause of death for women," she said.

It's also a leading cause of death for men. The World Health Organization reports that more people die each year from heart disease than from any other cause. WHO says more than 60 percent of deaths from cardiovascular disease take place in low and middle-income countries. It says the heart disease pandemic is on the rise. Dr. Patrice Desvigne-Nickens is with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. She says the key to staying healthy is knowing your numbers. "Your weight, your blood cholesterol, blood sugar and your blood pressure are important numbers that can help you take action and reduce your risk," she said.

She says a healthy lifestyle can prevent heart disease. "And the steps to take are simple: don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, know your numbers and talk to your physician and control these risks," she said. African-Americans are at higher-than-average risk for heart disease and stroke, according to Dr. Michelle Magee. "There's a very high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and also unrecognized hypertension so people don't even know they have it, which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke," she said.

In the nation's capital, Medstar Washington Hospital Center is trying to reach this population - like at this opening of an outreach program at a Washington barber shop. Neighborhood barbers develop relationships with their clients. With the right training, they can play an important role in community health....for example helping their clients monitor their blood pressure. These programs operate on the premise that if people realize they are at risk for heart disease, they'll make lifestyle changes: lose weight, exercise, eat the right foods and keep in touch with a doctor.

Doctors Say Most Heart Disease Preventable

 

[Politico]

Ya think? Man doctors are clueless.

 

[waltky]

Granny says quit makin' faces an' drink yer beet juice...

Beetroot 'can lower blood pressure'
15 April 2013 - Drinking a cup of beetroot juice can lower blood pressure, researchers say.

Drinking 250ml (8oz) cut high blood pressure readings by 10mm of mercury (mmHg) in a study of 15 patients, bringing some into the normal range, the journal Hypertension reports. Most marked after three to six hours, the effect was detectable a day later. Scientists say the nitrate in beetroot widens blood vessels to aid flow. And many people with angina use a nitrate drug to ease their symptoms.

The researchers, from Barts Health NHS Trust and the London Medical School, who have been studying beetroot's blood pressure lowering effects for years, say more work is still needed. And they warn there could be one unexpected consequence of drinking beetroot juice - it can turn your urine pink. Nitrate is found naturally in soil, where it is taken in by vegetables through the roots to help them grow.

The juice contained as much nitrate as two beetroots

Researcher Dr Amrita Ahluwalia said: "We were surprised by how little nitrate was needed to see such a large effect. "Our hope is that increasing one's intake of vegetables with a high dietary nitrate content, such as green leafy vegetables or beetroot, might be a lifestyle approach that one could easily employ to improve cardiovascular health."

Prof Peter Weissberg, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the research, said: "It supports current advice that we should all be eating plenty of green veg. "But we need larger studies in patients to determine if nitrate-rich vegetables are effective at lowering blood pressure over the long term."

BBC News - Beetroot 'can lower blood pressure'

 

[TheOldSchool]

If you're not able to get it up anymore, you need to drop everything else you're doing in your life and address that. Because if you don't, maybe you don't deserve to get it up anymore.

End of lesson.

 

[sherlok69]

I have some heart problems as well as diabetes type 2, however I was advised to take LEVITRA for my erection issues and I have to say it works just great for me.
I have much stronger erections with Levitra and none of the side effects.

 

[mudwhistle]

No kidding?

I always believed that ED was psychological for some.

Course if you're out of shape it's harder to retain wood than when you exercise regularly.

 

[Politico]

So your heart is not working right and your answer is popping a pill so you can have sex. Sounds reasonable right folks?

 

[Truthseeker420]

Heart Disease Test:

 

[Luddly Neddite]

I've read the same about Type 2 diabetes.

Eat meat, sit on the couch, smoke - you pay the price.

The current belief is that the one thing you can't control or change is your family history but I disagree. I'm the only member of my extended family who does not have heart disease and diabetes. I'm the oldest surviving of my siblings. I'm also the only one who does not eat meat, quit smoking and get a lot of exercise. And I have an active and satisfying sex life.

WHY are people so willing to give up their life? Or, actually, why do they throw it away just so they can say they have the right to eat McDonald's and Chic filet and smoke?

Dumb.

Most coronary heart disease preventable...

Doctors Say Most Heart Disease Preventable
March 06, 2013 - Coronary heart disease is the number one killer, worldwide, of men and women over the age of 60. But people of all ages succumb to heart attacks each year. And while death rates have declined in the U.S. and many western European countries, mortality is on the rise in the developing world. Yet most heart disease is preventable.

No one would have guessed that Barbara Teng would have a heart attack. She was not overweight. She did not smoke. But she also did not exercise. “In 2004, the week after I turned 49, when I was on a business trip in Chicago, I had a major heart attack," she said. And that changed her life. She now exercises daily, monitors her heart health, and speaks at events held by Sister to Sister, a heart health program for women. Susan Gurley, the organization's director, says the message is urgent. "Heart disease is 82 percent preventable and it is the leading cause of death for women," she said.

It's also a leading cause of death for men. The World Health Organization reports that more people die each year from heart disease than from any other cause. WHO says more than 60 percent of deaths from cardiovascular disease take place in low and middle-income countries. It says the heart disease pandemic is on the rise. Dr. Patrice Desvigne-Nickens is with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. She says the key to staying healthy is knowing your numbers. "Your weight, your blood cholesterol, blood sugar and your blood pressure are important numbers that can help you take action and reduce your risk," she said.

She says a healthy lifestyle can prevent heart disease. "And the steps to take are simple: don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, know your numbers and talk to your physician and control these risks," she said. African-Americans are at higher-than-average risk for heart disease and stroke, according to Dr. Michelle Magee. "There's a very high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and also unrecognized hypertension so people don't even know they have it, which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke," she said.

In the nation's capital, Medstar Washington Hospital Center is trying to reach this population - like at this opening of an outreach program at a Washington barber shop. Neighborhood barbers develop relationships with their clients. With the right training, they can play an important role in community health....for example helping their clients monitor their blood pressure. These programs operate on the premise that if people realize they are at risk for heart disease, they'll make lifestyle changes: lose weight, exercise, eat the right foods and keep in touch with a doctor.

Doctors Say Most Heart Disease Preventable

 

[Luddly Neddite]

So your heart is not working right and your answer is popping a pill so you can have sex. Sounds reasonable right folks?

The commercials always say to ask your doctor if your heart can survive sex.

My favorite part is the end ... after ... the two of the, sitting in separate bathtubs, staring out at the sunset.

Its never like that at my house.

 

[SayMyName]

For the most part, as an old guy, I think it has to do with a few things for the majority of guys.

You have to get out there and exercise your ass. There is something about walking a long way that really does it for me, but even more so if I have a pack and hike up hill. It's the ass. I think it stimulates the prostrate and in turn gives you an incredible sense of arousal early the next morning. Take advantage of that.

Feelings of good well being. Work on that, and I don't mean by drinking, though you don't have to give it up all together. Surround yourself with supportive friends and colleagues and avoid negative people, and in particular a critical partner. Dump her and find that babe who will bring out your inner beast.

Eat well, but moderately.

Get rid of that gut. All of the above points should help with that.

There are probably more, but these were the key elements in my case. Now it just keeps on coming...no pun intended.

Follow these tips like I did and call me in a few months. Happy Hard Wood to ya!

 

[Katzndogz]

ED is a side effect from marijuana use.

Pot Use May Mellow Out Men's Sexual Function | Sexual Health and Drug Use | LiveScience
Marijuana user can't maintian erection - Erectile Dysfunction Forum - eHealthForum
The Straight Dope on Dope-Sex and Marijuana | Urology Institute
Marijuana Might Contribute to Male Sexual Dysfunction (Sorry to Harsh Your Little Mr. Mellow) | The Informer | Los Angeles | Los Angeles News and Events | LA Weekly

 

[SwimExpert]

So your heart is not working right and your answer is popping a pill so you can have sex. Sounds reasonable right folks?

Sure. If you are having heart problems, better procreate now before you're too dead to do it.

 

[Vox]

well, duh. both have micro vascular problems as their pathogenesis

 

[Vox]

ED is a side effect from marijuana use.

Pot Use May Mellow Out Men's Sexual Function | Sexual Health and Drug Use | LiveScience
Marijuana user can't maintian erection - Erectile Dysfunction Forum - eHealthForum
The Straight Dope on Dope-Sex and Marijuana | Urology Institute
Marijuana Might Contribute to Male Sexual Dysfunction (Sorry to Harsh Your Little Mr. Mellow) | The Informer | Los Angeles | Los Angeles News and Events | LA Weekly

now be prepared that pot lovers will unleash at you much more than for the brain damage links

 

[auditor0007]

No kidding?

I always believed that ED was psychological for some.

Course if you're out of shape it's harder to retain wood than when you exercise regularly.

Exercising regularly leads to a healthier heart for most people, therefore less chance of ED.

 

[auditor0007]

I've read the same about Type 2 diabetes.

Eat meat, sit on the couch, smoke - you pay the price.

The current belief is that the one thing you can't control or change is your family history but I disagree. I'm the only member of my extended family who does not have heart disease and diabetes. I'm the oldest surviving of my siblings. I'm also the only one who does not eat meat, quit smoking and get a lot of exercise. And I have an active and satisfying sex life.

WHY are people so willing to give up their life? Or, actually, why do they throw it away just so they can say they have the right to eat McDonald's and Chic filet and smoke?

Dumb.

Most coronary heart disease preventable...

Doctors Say Most Heart Disease Preventable
March 06, 2013 - Coronary heart disease is the number one killer, worldwide, of men and women over the age of 60. But people of all ages succumb to heart attacks each year. And while death rates have declined in the U.S. and many western European countries, mortality is on the rise in the developing world. Yet most heart disease is preventable.

No one would have guessed that Barbara Teng would have a heart attack. She was not overweight. She did not smoke. But she also did not exercise. “In 2004, the week after I turned 49, when I was on a business trip in Chicago, I had a major heart attack," she said. And that changed her life. She now exercises daily, monitors her heart health, and speaks at events held by Sister to Sister, a heart health program for women. Susan Gurley, the organization's director, says the message is urgent. "Heart disease is 82 percent preventable and it is the leading cause of death for women," she said.

It's also a leading cause of death for men. The World Health Organization reports that more people die each year from heart disease than from any other cause. WHO says more than 60 percent of deaths from cardiovascular disease take place in low and middle-income countries. It says the heart disease pandemic is on the rise. Dr. Patrice Desvigne-Nickens is with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. She says the key to staying healthy is knowing your numbers. "Your weight, your blood cholesterol, blood sugar and your blood pressure are important numbers that can help you take action and reduce your risk," she said.

She says a healthy lifestyle can prevent heart disease. "And the steps to take are simple: don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, know your numbers and talk to your physician and control these risks," she said. African-Americans are at higher-than-average risk for heart disease and stroke, according to Dr. Michelle Magee. "There's a very high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and also unrecognized hypertension so people don't even know they have it, which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke," she said.

In the nation's capital, Medstar Washington Hospital Center is trying to reach this population - like at this opening of an outreach program at a Washington barber shop. Neighborhood barbers develop relationships with their clients. With the right training, they can play an important role in community health....for example helping their clients monitor their blood pressure. These programs operate on the premise that if people realize they are at risk for heart disease, they'll make lifestyle changes: lose weight, exercise, eat the right foods and keep in touch with a doctor.

Doctors Say Most Heart Disease Preventable

If you stay in great shape physically, you are much more likely to have a satisfying sex life. What I can't understand is how people could be satisfied giving up a great sex life.

 

[DGS49]

While I do not believe in anecdotal evidence, I am 64 years, exercise regularly, have no heart issues, and have recently experienced E.D.

I dug out a pack of Viagra that my urologist gave me years ago, popped one, and it was completely effective.

For what it's worth.