Erectile dysfunction: A sign of heart disease?

Erectile dysfunction can be a wake-up call that you're at risk of heart disease. The same factors that contribute to heart disease can cause erectile dysfunction. Though erectile dysfunction is distressing, it isn't life threatening. But heart disease can be. Erectile dysfunction — trouble keeping an erection sufficient for sex — can be an early warning sign of heart disease. Understanding the connections between erectile dysfunction and heart health can help you recognize signs and symptoms of heart disease early on. Likewise, if you have heart disease, getting the right treatment can help you maintain or improve erectile function. Factors linked to heart disease that can cause erectile dysfunction include: Atherosclerosis. This damaging process reduces blood flow to your heart and contributes to coronary artery disease. It can also affect the blood vessels to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction. Conversely, if you're having trouble with erections, it could be a sign that your heart is also at risk. Medications. Some prescriptions that men take to protect their hearts can cause erectile dysfunction. Additionally, medications that are often prescribed for erectile dysfunction may not be safe when combined with certain heart medications. Depression and anxiety. Researchers have found a connection between depression, heart disease and erectile dysfunction. Feeling anxious can also lead to erectile dysfunction. If you have heart disease, you may worry that having sex could trigger a heart attack.