Health Warning – Signs Of Heart Disease

Weak Erections A Health Warning Sign Of Underlying Heart Disease

Introduction

Impotence or erectile dysfunction are synonyms for weak erections. Weak erections may be an early health warning signal of underlying cardiac or kidney disease. Dr. Willie Jordaan, managing director of Mens Clinic International , the largest group of erectile dysfunction clinics in South Africa, says that around 65% of men with heart disease will have erectile dysfunction.

Weak erections – an early warning sign

In fact, erectile dysfunction is often a symptomatic presentation of an underlying health warning. The warnings include high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol problems, neurological or hormonal disorders. It may also be a precursor to the development of a stroke or heart attack.

Often the presenting symptom in men with underlying coronary artery disease, is a difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection.

The pathology of arterial disease is widespread in the body, affecting a large number of end organs. This includes the penis. In addition a normal erection depends partly on a sufficient arterial inflow of blood. Impotence often coexists with coronary artery disease. The arterial disease process is accelerated by smoking and by diseases such as diabetes, adds Jordaan

There is a strong correlation between high cholesterol levels and erectile dysfunction.

Prevalence

A symposium on erectile dysfunction recently held in Cape Town, quoted the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. This study quoted the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in the 40 to 70 year old age group at between 52%. It also demonstrated that around 93% of men who have had angioplasty for coronary artery disease, had moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. In addition, atherosclerotic artery disease accounted for 50% of erectile dysfunction cases over the age of 50 years.

Renal failure is associated with a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction. Up to 60% of renal failure patients suffer from severe erectile dysfunction , says Jordaan.

The importance of a medical checkup

All this evidence points at the importance of recognising erectile dysfunction as more than just a psychological entity. The diagnostic process must exclude coexistent disease processes in the body. The early identification of risk factors for impotence will help to expose the cause of the erection difficulty. In addition it also detects associated vital organ pathology. The risk factors include smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of physical exercise, poor diet, advancing age, the side effects of many medications and the other medical conditions mentioned earlier.

Two critical messages

Firstly that impotence, or weakening erections should send a clear message to the man that there is possibly an underlying disease process in the body. This disease is manifesting as poor erectile performance. Heart attacks, stroke, or kidney failure for example are very real threats in a man with vascular disease sufficient to cause impotence. Sexual medicine practitioners at these clinics undertake investigations to establish the underlying pathology. They then institute treatment protocols to retard their progress. No man should ignore the message that his failing penis may be sending out to him.

Secondly a positive one. Treatments for erectile dysfunction have advanced significantly. It is now possible to return up to 90% of men with erectile dysfunction to normal sexually active lives. Even well into the eighth and  ninth decades of life. For the first time in history, there are reliable, safe and effective medical methods to address this common and serious male health issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion Men’s Clinic International deals with any sexual problems that are related to Weak Erections, Early Ejaculation, Low Libido, STIs or Circumcision. Do get in touch with us to book a consultation with our professional doctors who specialise in Men’s Sexual Health.

Contact us now to find out more about Men’s Clinic International and male sexual health. Or click here to book an appointment with one of our friendly doctors in your area.

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