[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/erectile-dysfunction-sign-of-heart-disease\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/erectile-dysfunction-sign-of-heart-disease\/","headline":"Is Erectile Dysfunction a Sign of Heart Disease?","name":"Is Erectile Dysfunction a Sign of Heart Disease?","description":"Erectile dysfunction (ED) has many causes, including heart disease and diabetes. ED can be an early warning sign of heart trouble. Here's what you need to know.","datePublished":"2021-09-23","dateModified":"2025-08-06","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urology-regions","name":"Urology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/GettyImages-1282868108.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/GettyImages-1282868108.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/erectile-dysfunction-sign-of-heart-disease\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Men's Health","Urology"],"wordCount":660,"keywords":["UPMC Men's Health Center"],"articleBody":"You may think that erectile dysfunction, or ED, is strictly a sexual problem. But ED \u2014 when you can’t get or keep erections firm enough for sex \u2014 can also be a warning sign of heart disease.What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?There’s not one single cause of ED. ED has many different causes.Sometimes, ED has psychological roots. Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems often play a part.However, most cases of chronic ED are physical.Causes of erectile dysfunction include:Not enough blood flow to the penis due to heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, or other medical diseases.Nerve damage caused by surgery or radiation in the pelvic area.Side effects from drugs to treat other health problems.Is ED \u201cNormal”?Having trouble getting or keeping an erection happens now and then to all men. Even younger men have occasional bouts of ED, although it’s more common in older men.But ED is not an inevitable part of aging. It might be a warning sign that you’re developing a chronic disease. If you have ongoing ED, your doctor should screen you for heart disease.The Connection Between ED and Heart DiseaseYou may wonder why there is a connection between ED and heart disease. Here’s why: The risk factors that affect your heart health also affect your penis health.If you have heart disease, plaque builds up in your arteries. Plaque consists of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. The excess plaque build-up leads to atherosclerosis\u00a0or narrowing of the arteries.Narrow arteries make it harder for the blood to flow through. The arteries in the penis are already narrow, so cardiovascular problems may show up there first. In fact, erectile problems can be one of the first warning signs of heart disease.Risk factors for ED and heart diseaseED and heart disease share many risk factors. You’re more likely to develop heart disease and ED if you:Are over 50.Are overweight.Drink too much alcohol.Have diabetes.Have high cholesterol.Lead a sedentary lifestyleSmoke.Use illegal drugs.When Should You See a Doctor for Your ED?If your ED is becoming progressively worse, or you can’t get an erection at all, you should see a doctor. You can start with your primary care doctor, but you may need to see a urologist who specializes in ED. You may also need to see a cardiologist, or heart doctor.Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Heart DiseaseThere are several ways to treat ED caused by heart disease.Lifestyle changesSometimes lifestyle changes alone are enough to improve your ED and your heart health. Your doctor may recommend that you:Cut down on alcohol.Don’t take illegal drugs.Eat a heart-healthy diet high in whole grains, lean protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables.Get 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week.Incorporate pelvic floor exercises into your daily routine.Lose weight if you need to.Stop smoking.MedicationYour doctor may treat your ED with medications such as Viagra and Cialis. You take these medications an hour or so before sex. They increase blood flow to the penis and make an erection possible for many men.Some ED drugs aren’t safe to use with other medicine. Make sure to tell your doctor what medications you already take.Surgery and other therapiesIf medication and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend other options. Specialists can treat ED with:Penile implantsVacuum devicesPenile injection therapyWhatever treatment your doctor recommends, it’s important to keep in touch regarding any new symptoms or problems. Together you can improve both your heart and your sexual health.SourcesAmerican Heart Association, Erectile Dysfunction May Be Warning Sign for More Serious Health Problems LinkUrology Care Foundation, What Is Erectile Dysfunction? LinkScience Daily, Erectile Dysfunction: A possible warning sign of serious disease LinkBritish Heart Foundation, Let's talk about\u2026erectile dysfunction Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2021","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"09","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/\/09\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Is Erectile Dysfunction a Sign of Heart Disease?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/erectile-dysfunction-sign-of-heart-disease\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]