Erectile dysfunction is a signal of risk for cardiovascular disease: a primary care view.

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a multisystemic disorder with symptoms most commonly caused by vascular insufficiency. Multiple comorbidities occur frequently among men who have ED; thus ED may signal disorders with similar etiologies, including psycho-social problems, endocrine imbalances, neurologic disorders, and particularly cardiovascular risk or frank disease. Evidence is accumulating that vascular ED signals endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease risk. ED may be a strong signal of increased risk of silent myocardial ischemia in men who have uncomplicated type-2 diabetes mellitus and of future symptomatic cardiovascular disease in men who do not have diabetes. ED patients should be evaluated for cardiovascular risk and frank disease because early detection may allow early treatment and decreased morbidity. The best method for evaluating men with ED for cardiovascular risk, and the role of ED as a screening test for increased cardiovascular disease risk need further study.