In addition to affecting a man’s self-esteem and mental health, erection problems can be an indicator that something is not right with his heart. According to sexologist in Delhi, individuals with erectile dysfunction are twice as likely to have heart problems.

What is the connection of the penis to the heart?

Erection is a vascular process and depends on the proper functioning of the heart. “For it to occur, there is the filling of small blood vessels that form the cavernous bodies of the penis”, explains cardiologist. Therefore, many factors associated with artery and heart problems can also cause sexual dysfunction.

Among the most common conditions that can both affect your erection and lead to cardiovascular disease are:

• Hyperlipidemia (excess of fat particles in the blood);
• Atherosclerosis (stiffening of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaques);
• High blood pressure;
• Diabetes;
• Smoking.

In addition, problems such as high stress, anxiety, and depression can favor both problems.

Penis problems come before

Erectile dysfunction usually appears before heart problems. One explanation is that the arteries in the penis are thinner than those in the heart and, therefore, are affected first. “Studies show that erectile dysfunction can set in up to five years before a coronary artery problem,” says Sidney Glina, a urologist at Albert Einstein Hospital.

For the same reason, erectile dysfunction also indicates the risk of obstruction of other arteries in the body. “There may be an obstruction of the ones that irrigate the legs, causing peripheral arterial insufficiency”, warns best sexologist in Delhi.

How to prevent  Maintaining good habits is essential to ensure that your heart and penis work at full throttle. The main recommendations to avoid these problems – and several other diseases – are:

• Avoid overweight;
• Do physical activity regularly;
• Control blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose;
• Have healthy eating habits;
• Quitting addictions like smoking;
• Moderate alcohol consumption;
• Reduce stress.

“It is also very important that men allow themselves to be evaluated periodically (at least once a year) by a doctor they trust”, says cardiologist. This is because both the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction and that of cardiovascular disease can be made from periodic medical evaluations, even if there are still no symptoms.

Treatment

Normally, sexologist doctor in Delhi deals with erectile dysfunction and cardiology deals with cardiovascular problems. But there must be an integration between professionals. “If the treatments are not done together, when trying to solve one problem, you can further complicate the other,” warns sex specialist in Delhi.

In order not to put your heart at risk, identifying the cause of erectile dysfunction is very important. “There are very specific tests that seek to identify the type and degree of impairment, which are also used to assess the response to the type of medication that can be used,” says sexologist in Delhi.

Even if the problems of erectile dysfunction are controlled, the man cannot help looking for a cardiologist. “The risk factors may continue to exist. Solving one problem does not mean that the other will not occur,” says sexologist in Delhi.

Care in treatment

When there are both cardiovascular problems and sexual dysfunction, the risks, and benefits of each medication are evaluated with special attention. And, if there are a need and possibility, medications that have more interaction are exchanged.

“Some erection pills (type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors), which are the most used treatment for erectile dysfunction, are contraindicated for use in conjunction with nitrate-based drugs,” explains sexologist in Delhi.

That’s because nitrate-based cardiac medications are potent vasodilators and when added to the dilating effects of the erection pills can cause hypotension (drop in pressure), leading to low blood flow to the heart and brain – and causing fainting, malaise.