Older man with his hands over his heart

Can Erectile Dysfunction Predict Heart Disease?

Can Erectile Dysfunction Predict Heart Disease?

By Megan Grant
Scientifically reviewed by: Michael A. Smith, MD

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and frequent nighttime urination are a normal part of getting older for men, right? Not necessarily. Medical professionals tell us that these could be signs of something more serious, like an underlying heart problem and even a heightened risk of heart attack.

One review, published in the Journal of Men's Health, says that health problems like erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)—which would include frequent urination—could be indicators of chronic diseases or, at least, their risk factors, and should be part of the screening process when you visit your primary care doctor.

In other words, these issues aren't merely pesky age-related annoyances. That's why researchers now recommend doctors routinely ask patients about ED and LUTS and do thorough health screenings on men who are seeking treatment for either condition.

Are erectile dysfunction and frequent nighttime urination linked to heart disease?

Yes. The connection between the heart and ED cannot be overstated. In fact, heart disease accounts for up to 80% of ED cases. The most common vascular disease is atherosclerosis, which causes the arteries to harden and thicken because of a buildup of plaque, narrowing the blood vessels. This eventually inhibits blood flow to the penis.

However, although erectile dysfunction and genitourinary issues like frequent urination at night are linked to heart disease, as well as many other chronic conditions, this doesn't mean that ED and LUTS cause heart disease. Rather, ED/LUTS and heart disease share common underlying factors, like endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and low testosterone levels.

Because ED is an independent predictor of potential cardiovascular events in the future, if an individual is experiencing that or LUTS, they should see their healthcare provider for a full workup. As Mayo Clinic Proceedings recommends, "Mounting evidence supports the need for providers to treat men with ED as being at risk for cardiac events until proven otherwise."

Thankfully, there are various ways to address erectile dysfunction. For example, research published in the World Journal of Men's Health reminds us that quitting smoking, treating hyperlipidemia, and increasing your physical activity could very well improve ED.

Urinalysis Urine Test

What are other predictors of heart disease?

In addition to erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms, warning signs that individuals should take note of are:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Irregular heartbeat

These symptoms could be indicative of heart disease. However, their absence doesn't mean you don't have a heart problem. One thing that makes cardiovascular disease an even bigger threat is that it rarely causes signs or symptoms until there is a more severe artery blockage.

This is why many people don't know that anything is wrong until they experience a cardiac event like a stroke, a heart attack or heart failure—and why it's important to be aware if you have any of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These include:

  • Obesity
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking
  • A poor diet—for example, consuming excessive calories, particularly saturated fats, ultra-processed foods and sugars (baked goods and junk food)
  • A family history of health problems, like heart disease, diabetes, etc.
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Metabolic conditions such as diabetes

Additionally, age plays a role. After middle age, your risk goes up.

How to Check Your Heart Health

Your medical provider should guide you through getting the proper screening. This will first include what you're likely already doing at your annual wellness visits—checking your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, glucose levels, weight and so on.

If your provider sees the need for additional screening, there are several variables to check that can offer insight into your heart health, including:

  • An ECG or EKG (3):

    This measures the electrical activity of the heart.

  • A coronary calcium scan:

    This scan checks for the amount of calcium deposits in the arteries, giving you an overall score. The higher the score, the greater the risk of a heart attack.

  • Stress tests:

    Stress tests evaluate your cardiovascular function.

  • An MRI:

    This type of scan creates images of the inside of your body.

  • A PET scan:

    Think of this like a more powerful version of an MRI.

  • Angiography:

    This is an X-ray of your blood and vessels.

9 nutrients to support men's health

In addition to consuming a colorful, nutrient-dense diet, men can improve their health with added nutrients such as:

  1. CoQ10
  2. Fish oil
  3. Vitamin D
  4. Black ginger
  5. Luteolin
  6. Lycopene
  7. Beta-sitosterol
  8. Saw palmetto

In a clinical study led by Life Extension scientists, subjects taking a specific combination of five ingredients—which included lycopene and beta-sitosterol—reported not waking up more than once a night to urinate, and the number of individuals suffering from nocturia dropped by 64%, drastically reducing their nighttime bathroom visits. Pro tip: A urinalysis lab test is a good idea for anyone suffering from too-frequent bathroom breaks.

Another nutrient men might find beneficial is ginkgo biloba. This encourages blood flow, ultimately supporting the muscles of the penis and, thus, male sexual performance.

Getting more of these nutrients in your diet in a simple way to maintain youthful urinary flow.

Note: you might want to avoid consuming calcium at night, as this has been associated with a higher risk of heart disease. No need to skip calcium completely—just aim to get more of it earlier in the day.

Summary: Heart health red flags

Let's recap: Erectile dysfunction and frequent nighttime bathroom trips are nothing to be embarrassed about. They are treatable and could help you identify a more serious condition earlier on. That's why it's important to listen to your body and schedule a visit with your medical provider or a specialist in the field of cardiology and/or urology. Lifestyle changes can make a difference and then, if needed, medical intervention.

You'll be doing yourself a favor if you learn to cope with stress, get plenty of sleep, and move your body—yes, especially if you have a heart condition. The idea that people with heart problems should avoid fitness is a de-bunked heart health myth.

With the right approach and by following your doctor's guidelines, you can protect your heart health, sexual function, and your quality of life at all ages.

 

References

About Our Story Sources

The Life Extension Health News team delivers accurate information about vitamins, nutrition and aging. Our stories rely on multiple, authoritative sources and experts. We keep our content accurate and trustworthy, by submitting it to a medical reviewer.

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