You might be surprised to know that if you have Erectile Dysfunction, then it can lead to cardiovascular disease. It is actually a symptom that you might have atherosclerosis, and this is quite common even in men who are of young age. 

In atherosclerosis, the arteries get narrow, and the person is at risk of a heart attack. The basic studies suggest that between the age of 40 to 70 years, mostly men get affected by ED.

So, before ED leads to heart risk, it is important to get an appointment for a thorough medical check-up. You can consult with the best heart hospital in Kolkata India, for subsequent follow-ups.

What is heart disease?

The term “heart disease” covers a very broad aspect and also includes a wide range of medical conditions associated with heart and blood vessels. The most common problems witnessed across the globe are:

• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Arrhythmia
• Heart attack

There 4 big reasons that lead to the development of heart disease:

• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Smoking, alcohol intake, and drug abuse
• Diabetes

Other than these, if someone is born with a heart defect, then they have a chance of developing heart disease over time.

What is ED or Erectile Dysfunction?

ED is a medical condition where the patient fails to keep an erection for sexual intercourse. This is quite a common condition and millions of men get affected throughout the world. A proper flow of blood is required for erection, but when the blood fails to reach the penis, then Erectile Dysfunction occurs. 

Erectile Dysfunction occurs due to dysfunction of the inner lining of the blood vessels (endothelium) and smooth muscles. This indicates underlying cardiovascular problems, such as heart failure, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, etc. Thus, Erectile Dysfunction is treated as a sign of a heart problem. So, book an appointment with the best heart hospital in Kolkata India, to eliminate all the risks.

The basic cause of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction is the combined result of physical as well as psychological health. There are several causes, and the range generally tends to vary from one person to another, such as:

• Low estrogen.
• Use of a high dose of medication. 
• A buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels stops the flow of blood.
• Injury to penis
• Venous leak
• Operation of prostate, bladder, and colon  during cancer
• Obesity
• Surgeries or injuries near the pelvic or spinal cord
• Mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, lack of communication, depression, panic attacks, sleep disorder, etc.

Diseases that most cause Erectile Dysfunction

There are specific diseases that can lead to erectile dysfunction in the long run, such as:

• Kidney disease
• Neurological damage
• Prostate cancer
• Metabolic syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Atherosclerosis.
• Peyronie’s disease

Is ED part of aging?

No, ED is not part of growing older. However, studies reveal that older men tend to be diagnosed with ED more often because they need more stimulation to achieve an erection. But, that can be cured with medications, and they can still be able to get erections. 

When should you consult with a  doctor?

There are certain situations that require immediate doctor’s attention. Alongside, you must visit a heart hospital in Kolkata India, to get an immediate cure.

• If you have trouble getting an erection or trouble keeping an erection, you must consult with a doctor.
• Premature or delayed ejaculation should also be a concern of visiting the doctor.
• If you have any disease that can be linked with ED, such as diabetes, heart disease, or any other health condition, then you must get it diagnosed immediately.

Relation between Heart Disease and Erectile Dysfunction

When discussing erectile dysfunction, it is important to know about the heart and the associated blood vessels. If the blood flow is getting interrupted, blocked, or slowing down in its flow, then it would fail to keep an erection. Now, this only occurs if you have heart disease.

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Any kind of heart problem can change the blood flow as the heart has to work harder so that blood can reach every part of the body. Now, this situation can generate high blood pressure and, thus, damage the blood vessels. 

Further, if you have a blood clot, then it can also result in a similar situation.  Even high cholesterol and irregular heartbeat can also lead to restriction of proper blood flow in the blood vessels. 

Treatment

When you consult with the doctor about Erectile Dysfunction, you just need to understand whether you have underlying atherosclerosis. If the reports reveal about atherosclerosis, then you are put on a strict diet and exercise. Along with that, you are also asked to quit smoking and drinking, and certain medications are prescribed.

Other than this, if you are diagnosed only with ED, then the most common advice is to maintain a proper lifestyle and have proper medication. Now, this would keep the blood vessel dilated and induce proper blood supply into the penis.

Furthermore, it is also advised that one should not go for nitrate medications in these situations. Because it can increase the risk of the disease. 

Are you suffering from high blood pressure?

If you already have high blood pressure and are on continuous medication, then it can lead to ED. Medications that are meant to reduce blood pressure, such as diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide, and beta-blockers, such as atenolol and metoprolol have side effects which cause ED, but often. 

In this case, both ED and heart disease need to be cured through appropriate medications that do not increase the risk of any disease. Your healthcare provider will be able to help you out in controlling both problems side-by-side. This might require a series of diagnoses and alterations in medication dose based on the conditions. 

Conclusion

However, if you have Erectile Dysfunction, then it does not always signify that you will also have cardiovascular problems. ED is a sign that helps a doctor to eliminate the risk associated with cardiovascular disease, and this would also help you to lead a healthy life over the years. Consult with the best doctors at ILS Hospitals and experience advanced facilities for immediate treatment.