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ED and Heart Disease: What’s the Link?

ED and Heart Disease: What’s the Link?

Posted on: 14 Feb 2022


Cords plugged in to heart shaped charger.

ED, or erectile dysfunction, is when a man finds it hard to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for sex. While it is quite common, it can signal an underlying health condition such as heart disease. The link between ED and heart disease may not be obvious, but it is of great value to learn more.

ED happens when blood doesn’t flow well to the penis, or when the nerves in the penis are harmed. When blood flow is affected, it may be a sign of a more serious condition that should be talked about with your doctor. If your ED is not caused by an injury or some sort of trauma, talk to your doctor about being screened for heart disease before starting treatment. Heart disease and ED share some of the same risk factors, which include diabetes, tobacco and alcohol use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age, obesity and low testosterone. These risk factors may help you and your doctor better understand your condition and the best treatment plan.

Check out these resources on ED to learn more:

Erectile Dysfunction Patient Guide

Erectile Dysfunction Fact Sheet

Erectile Dysfunction Video


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