Category Archives: Erectile Dysfunction
Understanding Chest Pain & Knowing When to Worry
Chest pain is one of the scariest concerns we experience in our lives. Human nature leads us to believe that the worst may be happening – a heart attack. Fortunately, most chest pain issues, also known as angina, are far less severe, but this does not mean that chest pain should be ignored. This article will cover the common causes of chest pain and what patients should do if they feel it. Of course, if the chest pain is unusual, severe, or persistent, this may be a medical emergency, and you should call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room without delay.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) As It Relates to the Heart
As we age, many bodily and sexual functions begin to decline. None, however, strike more terror in a man than erectile dysfunction. While this is a prevalent condition, it is one that men are often embarrassed by, and very often because of that, do not seek appropriate treatment. To address the embarrassment and concerns of many men, several online mail-order options have been created, promising patients a discrete consultation and getting their ED medications without going to the pharmacy.
However, there is a significant concern that some of these men’s health services do not address — the heart.
Erectile Dysfunction as a Precursor to Heart Disease
We don’t often associate ED or Erectile Dysfunction with cardiovascular disease and heart problems. However, while there are several potential causes of ED, the one that we as cardiologists are most concerned with is, you guessed it, cardiovascular disease. While they may seem unrelated, there is a common thread. For a man to achieve an erection, blood must flow into the penis efficiently. There are many reasons why this may not happen; however, if the blood flow issue results from partially blocked blood vessels, it may be indicative of a more significant cardiovascular problem. In fact, it is estimated that over 50% of men suffering from ED may have atherosclerosis to blame, at least in part.
