What can erectile dysfunction tell you about your heart health?

Changes in your sexual performance can serve as a “check engine” light for your heart. If you notice it’s more difficult to get an erection, it could be an early warning sign of a heart or vascular problem. 

But there’s good news: Treatment can help reverse your erectile dysfunction (ED) and improve your cardiovascular health.

At the Men’s Wellness Clinic at UChicago Medicine River East, our experts in urology, endocrinology, cardiology, vascular surgery and other specialties work together to treat the root cause of your sexual dysfunction and restore your quality of life.

How common is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

ED affects about 50% of men between the ages of 40 to 70 and is even more common after 70. Approximately 30 million men in the U.S. experience ED, and it's becoming increasingly prevalent in younger men. 

If you sometimes have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, recognize that you're not alone. At the Men’s Wellness Clinic, our specialists have treated thousands of men of all ages with ED. We’re committed to uncovering the cause of your ED and helping you regain your sexual function.

What is the connection between ED and cardiovascular disease?

Erectile dysfunction may be the first sign you have a heart or vascular issue that requires medical attention. This is especially true if you have trouble getting or maintaining erections in your 30s or 40s.

Research shows that ED can occur as early as two to four years before a major heart attack or other cardiovascular event. ED is also associated with a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Although ED can be difficult to talk about, it’s important to mention any changes in your sexual health with your doctor. Doing so can help you find a solution to your ED — and protect your overall health in the long run.

Can a heart blockage cause erectile dysfunction? 

Because ED can be an early indicator of a future heart blockage, you'll likely experience ED before you have an actual blood flow obstruction. ED is a red flag for coronary heart disease which, if left untreated, can lead to a heart blockage in the future. 

One theory behind this is that early atherosclerosis — narrowing in the arteries — can trigger ED. When plaque builds up in the arteries, it can reduce blood flow throughout the body, including the penis. This can make it more difficult to get or maintain an erection. 

Many of the factors that raise a person’s risk for ED also increase their risk for cardiovascular disease. These include:

• Advancing age
• High blood pressure
• Prediabetes or diabetes 
• Smoking
• Obesity or carrying extra weight
• High cholesterol
• A sedentary lifestyle 

A testosterone level test can help reveal heart and vascular problems. 

What does the research say about the link between ED and cardiovascular health?

Men with uncontrolled high blood pressure have a greater risk for developing ED and subsequent heart disease, peripheral artery disease and stroke. In men with diabetes, ED can be a sign of “silent” coronary artery disease that doesn’t cause any other symptoms. 

That's why we encourage you to reach out to your doctor or a urologist as soon as you notice a change in your sexual health. Getting early treatment can reverse sexual performance issues and help you stay healthy.

How do you know if erectile dysfunction is heart-related?

ED is often linked to some early signs of heart disease because both conditions are caused by problems in blood flow. If you have ED that develops gradually and cardiovascular risk factors like high cholesterol but are otherwise young and healthy, talk to your doctor about having your heart evaluated.  

How does the team at UChicago Medicine’s Men’s Wellness Clinic address a complex issue like ED?

We offer a holistic approach to treating men’s health in a convenient, respectful setting. When you come to our clinic, we can connect you to highly specialized experts, including urologists, cardiologists, vascular surgeons and endocrinologists who work together to reduce your risks and improve your sexual and heart health.

We can also help you with other care needs and refer you to primary care physicians, certified sex therapists, sleep medicine specialists, weight loss specialists, physical therapists and other experts at UChicago Medicine. Whenever possible, we try to schedule your appointments with multiple specialists as well as your tests on the same day. 

What tests are available to diagnose ED and cardiovascular problems?

At the Men’s Wellness Clinic, we offer comprehensive cardiometabolic and vascular tests for ED, including noninvasive penile and cardiovascular ultrasound to better assess penile health. 

Calcium score testing, which is a CT scan that measures calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, can help diagnose heart disease, a leading cause of ED.

We also offer genetic testing — including molecular biomarkers — to assess your risk for heart disease, diabetes and other conditions.

What can I do to lower my risks for developing ED and cardiovascular disease?

Eating a healthy diet, losing weight, exercising regularly, not smoking and getting consistent sleep are some of the steps you can take to protect against cardiovascular disease and maintain your sexual health. 

In addition to a healthy lifestyle, talk to your doctor or cardiologist about whether blood pressure medication could be a simple solution to address your ED and heart health. Our team-based approach to care at the Men’s Wellness Clinic helps connect you to the resources and support to make lasting lifestyle changes.