Guys with erectile dysfunction have a 70 percent increased risk of premature death, a new study from the university of mississippi finds.
Poor cardiovascular health is the most common cause of ed. So if you're unable to get hard, it's often an early sign that your heart is in trouble. In fact, many guys whose ed is caused by poor cardiovascular health wind up having life-threatening heart problems like a heart attack in the next five years. The vessels that carry blood to your penis are tiny, only one to two millimeters across, so they get clogged easily.
If plaque starts to build up in your vessels thanks to a poor diet, a lack of exercise, smoking, age or genetics-the blood flow to your penis is the first thing that will get blocked off. That can make it impossible to get an erection.
If the plaque continues to build, it will start affecting larger arteries, like the ones that carry blood to and from your heart. That can cause a heart attack or sudden death. That's why it's crucial to get your ed checked out by a doctor. If you heed the early warning sign, you may be able to fix your cardiovascular problems before they become fatal.
If you've been consistently unable to get it up, or keep it up, for three months, make an appointment with your primary physician. Tell your doc about your erection problems and make it the first thing you bring up, so your doctor has time to thoroughly check you out.
If blocked arteries turn out to be the culprit, an improved diet and exercise regimen may reverse the damage and get your penis back in working order.