Could erectile dysfunction be a marker for more serious health problems? According to a recent study published in the journal Family Practice News, erectile dysfunction, in some cases, may signal an increased risk of peripheral artery disease.

This current study looked at 175 men over the age of fifty years old who were experiencing erectile dysfunction. After carefully examining these men and testing them for peripheral artery disease, a strong association was found between the presence of erectile dysfunction or impotence and the existence of peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries in the legs that carry blood to the feet causing reduced blood flow. In some cases, men with this disease have no symptoms at all with the exception of erectile dysfunction, making this symptom an important screening question for persons at high risk of peripheral artery disease. When symptoms do occur with PAD, the most common ones are pain in the back of the calves when walking, the presence of cold legs and feet, and sores on the legs and feet that heal slowly.  

This isn’t the first time erectile dysfunction has been associated with an increased risk of more serious medical problems. Studies have shown that men who experience problems maintaining an erection may be at higher risk of developing heart disease. Erectile dysfunction is also more commonly seen with certain other medical conditions such as diabetes.

What does this mean if you’re experiencing problems achieving or maintaining an erection? It’s important not to think of erectile dysfunction as being strictly a sexual problem, but as a sign of potentially more serious medical problems such as peripheral artery disease. This is particularly true if you have other risk factors for PAD and heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, family history, and an elevated cholesterol level.

The bottom line? The best plan of action may be to let your doctor know about your sexual problem as well as your risk factors for heart disease. A simple screening test called an ankle brachial index can be used to screen for peripheral artery disease. If you’re at high risk of heart disease due to any of the factors previously mentioned, your doctor may recommend a study to check for coronary artery disease. In some cases, erectile dysfunction can be the important signal you need to get more serious medical problems addressed that could potentially save your life.

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