Question 214 of 433
Is erectile dysfunction a heart problem?
The short answer
Often, yes. It can be the first sign of artery disease, appearing three to five years before a heart attack.
The arteries that supply an erection are smaller than the arteries of the heart, so they show the effects of plaque earlier. A man in his forties or fifties with new erectile difficulty should have a full heart-risk evaluation, not only a prescription. The standard pills are safe and effective for most men, with one firm rule: never combine them with nitroglycerin or other nitrates.
Shockwave treatments for erections are widely advertised. The trials are small and inconsistent, and the treatment is not FDA approved for this purpose.
Evidence scope
ROBUST ASSOCIATION — Men with erectile dysfunction: cardiovascular risk assessment; shockwave treatment evidence remains limited.Evidence gradeCObservationalPart 15, Q214 · Part sourcesFrom Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.