Persistent erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of heart disease, according to a cardiologist who is urging men not to ignore the symptom. Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, a Harley Street-based cardiologist and founder of the National Longevity Clinic, said men should not feel embarrassed about seeking advice, particularly when erection problems are persistent or unexplained.
Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Health
Erectile dysfunction is common and can have several causes, including stress, tiredness, anxiety and medication. However, when problems keep happening, they can sometimes be linked to conditions affecting blood vessels, including high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and diabetes.
The blood vessels supplying the penis are relatively small, meaning changes in circulation can sometimes become noticeable there before cardiovascular symptoms develop elsewhere. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease also share risk factors, including high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and inactivity.
Dr Lo Monaco said: "An erection depends on healthy blood flow. If the blood vessels are not functioning as they should, it can affect erectile function. Erectile dysfunction does not automatically mean somebody has heart disease. But in some men, it can be an early sign of vascular problems, which is why it is worth looking beyond the symptom itself."
Checks Men Should Not Put Off
Dr Lo Monaco said men experiencing ongoing erection problems should speak to their GP or an appropriate healthcare professional. Depending on their symptoms and medical history, checks may include blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose tests.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can damage blood vessels over time. Measuring blood pressure can help identify hypertension, which may otherwise go unnoticed. A blood test can measure cholesterol and other blood fats that contribute to cardiovascular risk, while an HbA1c test measures average blood glucose over around two to three months and can help identify prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
"A blood pressure check is one of the simplest ways to learn more about your cardiovascular health," Dr Lo Monaco said. "You cannot reliably judge your blood pressure by how you feel. If it is raised, your clinician can explain what that means and whether further monitoring or treatment is needed."
Wider Health Assessment and Prevention
A clinician may also ask about symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, medications and family history. Depending on the individual, they may check weight or waist circumference, review testosterone levels, or assess overall cardiovascular risk.
Dr Lo Monaco said occasional erection difficulties were common and might be linked to stress, tiredness or alcohol. But men should seek medical advice if the problem keeps happening, rather than relying on supplements or assuming it will resolve itself.
He added: "Preventative healthcare is about understanding your risks before you become unwell. Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels can be a valuable step towards protecting your health for the future."
