Your body often sends warning signs long before a major health crisis occurs — and one of those signs in men might show up below the belt. Erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t just about performance or ageing; it can actually be an early indicator of heart disease.
According to a content creator, Prashant Desai, “Your erections can predict your heart attack risk.” He added, “Trouble getting an erection could mean your blood vessels are already under attack. Blood flow = Heart health = Bed performance.”
But can your erections truly predict your heart attack risk?
Dr Prateek Chaudhary, senior consultant, Interventional Cardiology at Asian Hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “The link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and heart problems is quite strong. ED can be one of the earliest warning signs of underlying cardiovascular disease. The reason is that the arteries in the penis are smaller than those in the heart, so reduced blood flow due to plaque buildup or artery damage tends to show up there first. In many cases, men who experience ED go on to develop symptoms of heart disease within the next 3 to 5 years. So yes, ED should not be ignored; it can serve as a potential early sign of a future heart attack or other cardiovascular event.”
Physiological reasons behind the connection between blood flow to the penis and cardiovascular health
According to Dr Chaudhary, the physiological connection lies in the health of the blood vessels and the endothelium i.e. the inner lining of the blood vessels. “An erection depends on good blood flow to the penis, which requires healthy, flexible arteries. The inner lining of endothelial cells secretes a molecule of nitric oxide. This molecule is important for dilating the blood vessels and this dilation of blood vessels leads to increased blood flow to that organ, in this case the penis.”
He adds, “Sometimes these endothelial cells become incapable, and this reduces the availability of nitric oxide, hampering the blood flow. Cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis reduce blood flow, affecting both the heart and the penis. If blood vessels are damaged or inflamed due to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, it impacts overall circulation, including to the penis. Therefore, erectile dysfunction can reflect poor vascular health.”
At what point should someone experiencing erectile issues consider seeing a cardiologist?
“If a man experiences persistent erectile dysfunction, especially if he has other risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or a history of smoking, he should consider seeing a cardiologist,” stresses Dr Chaudhary.
ED can be a silent signal that something is wrong with the cardiovascular system, even if no other symptoms are present. “It is wise not to wait until chest pain or shortness of breath appears. Getting screened early can help identify heart disease at a stage where lifestyle changes and treatment can prevent serious outcomes like a heart attack,” he asserts.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
