ED2: erectile dysfunction = endothelial dysfunction

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2007 Jun;36(2):453-63. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2007.03.007.

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition in men, and increases with age. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in men and also increases in prevalence with advancing years. The common link between the two conditions is endothelial dysfunction that leads to vascular insufficiency of the coronary and penile arteries. Because the penile arteries are smaller, symptoms of ED may precede those of CVD by several years. It is logical, therefore, that a patient complaining of ED should alert the physician to look for cardiovascular risk factors. Early treatment of these risk factors may help to prevent or retard symptoms of vascular insufficiency.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / complications*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / complications
  • Impotence, Vasculogenic / etiology*
  • Insulin Resistance / physiology
  • Male
  • Metabolic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Models, Biological
  • Risk Factors