Men suffering from erectile dysfunction, or ED, may have a much larger problem than "performance" concerns to worry about. According to a study, ED may be the first and earliest indicator of a significant cardiovascular condition.
Researchers explain ED is not only a quality of life issue, but also a major public health concern associated with preventative cardiovascular medicine. It has been suggested that the earlier a man is tested for ED, the better the outcome for maintaining good erectile function and cardiovascular health is. Moreover, early identification of the condition can result in early diagnosis of previously undetected cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical (undetectable) vascular disease.
ED has traditionally been considered a secondary obstacle to:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Other vascular illnesses
However, studies indicated ED was often present before these other medical conditions were diagnosed. This serves as evidence that ED is a strong marker of a man's overall cardiovascular health and an early symptom of a more generalized vascular problem.
Due to this recent appreciation, it is now advised that all men over 25 be asked about ED.
Journal of Sexual Medicine January 2005 Volume 2, Issue 1
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