Can erectile dysfunction indicate heart attack risk?

Erectile dysfunction and male performance problems can be indications of heart disease, or that some males are at greater risk for heart attacks and strokes. This concept is not new, but until recently was speculative and without proof clinically. This is changing due to more updated research studies. So the following is some newer information that demonstrates the links between heart disease and male erectile dysfunction, as they are understood today.

Erectile dysfunction may double heart disease risk

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Keeping up with the most current information on heart disease, ensures that men can avoid complications with their personal health. It also allows for males to watch for warning signs of other conditions, if they should manifest and need further examination.

A Possible Warning of Other Health Conditions

Recent research into erectile dysfunction has been linked to several other health conditions including periodontal problems, restless legs syndrome and heart disease. Although these particular studies are still being further examined, the connection between heart disease and erectile dysfunction (or ED) isn't something worth ignoring.

Facts show that males experiencing levels of erectile dysfunction are at 25% greater risk for heart attacks, strokes and heart disease statistically. So clearly, erectile dysfunction is as accurate a predictor for heart disease risks, than things like cigarette smoking, family predispositions to heart problems, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. The more severe cases of ED in males, also indicate a much greater risk of heart disease or events related to cardiovascular problems.

Overall this connection makes sense, since the health of the cardiovascular system and all functional workings of your penis are intimately correlated. There are complex processes that allow for males to achieve an erection normally, but if these are not functioning correctly many other part of the body are being impacted. Interruption of vascular system and the blood vessels, can be directly related to ED and indicates a reduced flow of blood through the entire body.

Erectile Dysfunction and the Heart Disease Connection

The arteries within the penis and heart have endothermic linings. If the endothelium fails to respond to the nitric oxide being released during the involuntary process of blood flowing, then organs throughout the body will be impacted.

This can lead to a variety of systemic problems, such as atherosclerosis, lower blood pressure and erectile dysfunction. Because the penis requires a large amount of blood flow to function properly, it often shows signs related to heart disease, before other organs in the vascular system. Also because the penis has small blood vessels like those that transport blood to the brain, this similarity is another reasoning for ED being a precursor to the oncoming signs of heart disease.

Is ED Normal in Males My Age?

The harsh reality is that ED is very common, and becomes even more common in older males. This doesn't mean that all erectile dysfunction is related to the aging process. Listening to what your physical body tells you can save your life, this includes problems with blood flow to the penis.

Catching health problems before they manifest dramatically allows the individual to take control of their lifestyle choices. Getting control of heart problems in the early stages, can make all the difference in your personal health. This is especially true with the manifestation of heart disease, because ignoring leaves your heart at greater risk.

In Conclusion

Although ED can be a warning sign that you are at risk for heart attacks, it doesn't indicate that it is time to panic. Just be glad for the warning, because it gives most males time to start living a healthier lifestyle and live a much longer life. Knowing what to do about heart disease is half the battle, the other half is simply doing it.

Erectile dysfunction can be a blessing in disguise. The key to staying healthy is being aware of your body. For most men, the normal effects of aging won't have dramatic impact on their sex life. All erectile dysfunction can be treated naturally, but it can be used to pinpoint other health issues and prevent heart disease from manifesting without warning. Men can take time to listen to their bodies, then make realistic choices and lifestyle changes that will help avoid heart disease, as they grow older.

Special Heart Risks for Men

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Viagra use may increase risk of melanoma

Most Floridians know that exposure to the sun increases their risk of skin cancers, but until a published report in JAMA: Internal Medicine last week, no one would have imagined that men taking Viagra (sildenafil) could significantly raise their chances of developing melanomas which are potentially the deadliest skin cancer.

Viagra may increase melanoma risk

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Principal investigator Wen-Qing Li, PhD of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston knew that the drug had properties that could target a specific mutation present in about half of melanomas and wondered whether this effect could trigger metastasis (spread) of melanoma cells in the body.

In 2000, Li and colleagues questioned over 25,000 men in the Health Professionals’ Followup Study about their use of Viagra for erectile dysfunction. The average age of the participants was 64.8 years.

When the researchers analyzed the data from 2000 to 2010, they found that after adjusting for known risk factors such as family history or episodes of sunburns, those men who used Viagra were 84% more likely to develop melanomas.

There was no apparent increased risk of developing other skin cancers like basal cell or squamous cell for those men taking Viagra.

There was also no correlation between erectile dysfunction itself and melanoma.

In his comments, Li wrote that “our study cannot prove cause and effect.” He has proposed a longer follow-up study that would include analysis of the dose of Viagra that individuals took and how often.

Of course, now that this study has been published and until there is further research, physicians and patients have the dilemma of how to interpret this information. Probably the best advice is to speak to your doctor before taking Viagra and if you do take it, make sure you have regular skin checks by either your primary physician or a dermatologist.

Viagra may increase the risk of a deadly form of skin cancer

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Exercise reported to improve erectile dysfunction

When Viagra first appeared on the market, many men with erectile dysfunction found that it could lead back in the pencil. However, Viagra and other drugs for erectile dysfunction are expensive and associated with side-effects such as headache and nasal congestion. Now, a new study has found that exercise can improve erectile dysfunction. The study was published in the March edition of The Journal of Sexual Medicine by researchers at Duke University School of Medicine (Durham, NC) and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA).

Exercises to Eliminate Erectile Dysfunction

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The study group comprised 295 men. Their average age was 62 years, and they were all overweight or obese. Approximately one third had diabetes or a history of chest pain or heart attacks. About 75% were current or former smokers. A significant proportion (93) were African-American. The aim of the study was to assess whether exercise is associated with better erectile as well as sexual function in black men and define a minimum exercise level for which better erectile/sexual function could occur.

The men were participants in a study that assessed risk factors for prostate cancer; the study was conducted at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Exercise and erectile/sexual function were both evaluated by self-reported questionnaires. The men were divided into four exercise groups based on metabolic equivalents (MET) hours per week: less than 3 MET (sedentary);,3–8.9 (mildly active) MET; 9–17.9 (moderately active) MET; and more than 18 (highly active) MET. The relationship between exercise and erectile/sexual function was assessed via statistical analysis.

Erectile/sexual function was defined by the validated Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite sexual assessment, which yielded a sexual function score. Clinically significant better function was defined as half a standard deviation (SD) of 16.5 points.

The researchers found that the average sexual function score was 53 (SD = 33). Higher exercise was associated with a better sexual function score. Of significance, there was no interaction between black race and exercise, which meant that more exercise was associated with better erectile/sexual function regardless of race. Overall, exercise at 18 or more MET hours per week predicted better erectile/sexual function with a clinically significant (17.3-point) higher function. Exercise at lower levels was not statistically or clinically associated with erectile/sexual function.

The authors concluded that among a racially diverse population, exercise at a level of 18 or more MET hours per week is significantly associated with better erectile/sexual function regardless of race.

Erectile dysfunction may improve with exercise

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New study rates, effectiveness, side-effects of erectile dysfunction drugs

A variety of erectile dysfunction drugs are available on the market; however, side-effects and effectiveness differ. A new study evaluated currently available erectile dysfunction drugs in this regard. The study was published in the April edition of the journal European Urology by researchers at the University of Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands.

Some drugs can cause unwanted sexual side effects in men

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The authors reviewed 82 studies of the drugs’ effectiveness and 72 studies that assessed side-effects. They compared seven common erectile dysfunction medications, which all belonged to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i’s). They work by inhibiting an enzyme that may reduce the potency of an erection. The investigators reviewed Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil). In addition, they evaluated Zydena (udenafil), Helleva (lodenafil), and Mvix (mirodenafil), which are only available in other countries.

The aforementioned drugs are considered the first-choice therapy for erectile dysfunction; however they are only effective for 60-80% of men. The authors note that all the medications are more effective than s placebo for treating erectile dysfunction, and are generally safe and well tolerated. A 50 or 100 milligram (mg) dose of Viagra was found to be the most effective treatment. It was approximately 50% better than a placebo. Lower doses were less effective. Stendra, in doses ranging from 50 to 200 mg, was one of the least effective drugs studied; it was only 20-30% more effective than a placebo.

In regard to side-effects, the 50 milligram dose of Stendra was reported to have the lowest rate of side effects among the drugs studied; only 8.5% of the subjects reported side-effects. A 20 mg dose of Levitra had the highest rate of side effects: 25%. Higher doses of Viagra and Cialis caused side effects 21-22% of the time.

One side-effect of erectile dysfunction drugs is that they are vasodilators (blood vessel dilators) that cause a drop in blood pressure. Thus, they are not recommended for men taking nitrate-based heart medications because they can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure. Other common side effects include facial flushing, sinus congestion, headache, and upset stomach. Cialis is the only medication that can be taken daily. It is also reported to reduce the symptoms of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH; enlarged prostate). The other medications are only effective for a short period of time. Erectile dysfunction drugs require a prescription; thus, which drug to take should be thoroughly discussed with your physician.

Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra

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Diet Discovered That Reduces Erectile Dysfunction

A new study from the University of East Anglia and Harvard University has found a diet that reduces a man’s potential for having erectile dysfunction. The diet has the added benefit of improving cardiovascular health so that men can be healthy enough to have sex. The discovery was reported in the Jan. 14, 2016, edition of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Eating berries and citrus fruit can prevent erectile dysfunction

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Blueberries, cherries, blackberries, radishes, black currant and citrus fruits reduce the possibility that a man under the age of 70 will develop erectile dysfunction. Consumption of these fruits and vegetables were found to be more effective in preventing erectile dysfunction than exercise. Previous research has shown that five hours of brisk walking a week reduces the development of erectile dysfunction.

Flavonoids and flavones in the new diet prevent the development of erectile dysfunction. The benefits are realized with only a few servings of the fruits and vegetables each week. The research population was 50,000 men. One-third of the men involved in the study had experienced erectile dysfunction prior to the study. The average improvement was 14 percent. Regular exercise increased the retention of the ability to achieve an erection to 21 percent.

Diet and exercise do not produce the potential for priapism. The most popular treatment for erectile dysfunction can cost as much as $25 per pill. The same $25 can buy more than enough of the fruit and vegetables that prevent erectile dysfunction than one needs to consume to achieve the result. The discovery is unlikely to change the behaviors of the majority of men in the United States. Exercise and a sensible diet are too hard compared to taking a pill.

Medicaid and Medicare will pay the majority of the cost for erectile dysfunction drugs. People that work pay the bill for the added costs of erectile dysfunction treatments over diet and exercise. A government that was truly concerned with lowering taxes and improving health would consider ending the use of erectile dysfunction treatments by Medicaid and Medicare recipients that refuse to exercise or change their diet. This Draconian yet sensible change will never occur in an election year.

Beet juice for erectile dysfunction

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Yoga Reported to Benefit Breast Cancer Survivors

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the county. On a positive note, thanks to improved therapies more women are surviving this dreaded disease. These survivors strive to return to life as it was before they were stricken. A new study has found that yoga can benefit these women. The findings were published online on January 27 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by researchers at Ohio State University and Ohio State University College of Medicine, both located in Columbus, Ohio.

Benefits Of Yoga For Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Survivor

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For women recovering from breast cancer, exercise is one of the best ways to decrease fatigue and inflammation; however, cancer treatment often results in a significant decline in cardiorespiratory fitness, because the therapies are so debilitating. Breast cancer survivors have a 30% lower level of cardiorespiratory fitness, compared to their sedentary peers who have not undergone breast cancer treatment. Therefore, the investigators chose to use yoga with breast cancer survivors, because it can be used with all levels of fitness and can be adapted for women with physical limitations

The researchers conducted a study to evaluate yoga’s benefit on three common problems experienced by breast cancer survivors: inflammation, mood, and fatigue. The study group comprised 200 breast cancer survivors who were enrolled in a three month randomized, controlled trial. The women were assigned to either 12 weeks of 90-minute, twice weekly, hatha yoga classes or a control group. The women in the control group were placed on a wait list for enrollment in a future class. The main outcome measures were inflammation (measured by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and scores on the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF), the vitality scale from the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36), and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale.

The investigators found that immediately after the treatment concluded, compared to the control group, fatigue had not decreased but vitality was higher in the yoga group compared with the control group. However, at three months post-treatment, fatigue was less in the yoga group than the control group. In addition, vitality was higher, and IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were lower in the yoga group than the control group. The researchers found that depression did not differ between the two groups at either time point. Secondary analyses found that the frequency of yoga practice was strongly associated with less fatigue and increased vitality at both time points. However, no difference between the groups was found in regard to depression. They noted that more frequent practice produced greater changes. At three months post-treatment, women with increasing yoga practice also were found to have a decrease in IL-6 and IL-1β production, but not in TNF-α production.

The authors concluded that chronic inflammation may fuel declines in physical function, resulting in frailty and disability. If yoga decreases both fatigue and inflammation, then regular practice could have substantial health benefits for breast cancer survivors.

Healing Benefits Of Yoga

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New Breast Cancer Drug Doubles Progression Free Survival Time

Breast cancer researchers from the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) have concluded clinical trials on a promising now drug to combat estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. They announced their findings on April 7 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2014, which is being held from April 5 through April 9 in San Diego.

A Woman Thinking About Her ER Positive Breast Cancer Diagnosis

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Earlier this year, the anti-cancer drug palbociclib (PD 0332991), manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. was given Breakthrough Therapy designation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At the AACR meeting, the researchers noted that the drug essentially double the time that advanced breast cancer patients were on treatment without their cancer becoming worse, a situation known as progression-free survival.

Before conducting human trials, the investigators tested the drug in the laboratory against different types of cultured human breast cancer cells. The results were extremely encouraging for activity ER+ cancer cells. Thus, they conducted a clinical study in collaboration with Pfizer. The research team was headed by Dr. Richard S. Finn, associate professor of medicine at the UCLA cancer center. The new study was based upon research conducted by a research team led by Dr. Dennis Slamon, professor of medicine at JCCC and director of the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program.

The first phase of the human trial, led by Dr. Finn and Slamon had a goal of determining the doses and initial safety results of a combination of palbociclib and letrozole, which is a commonly used drug for ER+ advanced breast cancer. Once the phase 1 study was completed, the phase 2 study was performed on 165 post-menopausal breast cancer patients with advanced ER+, HER2- disease. Dr. Finn explained, “By combining the test drug, palbociclib, with the standard drug letrozole, we demonstrated a dramatic and clinically meaningful effect on progression-free survival in women with ER+ advanced breast cancer. We are gratified and excited that these results confirm the preclinical work we began at the Translational Lab.”

The researchers found that progression-free survival was 20.2 months for patients who received palbociclib plus letrozole, compared to 10.2 months for those women who only received letrozoley. Thus, addition of palbociclib resulted in a 51% percent reduction in the risk of disease progression. Dr. Slamon explained, “Our final results very much validate the Translational Laboratory approach, By identifying the effective treatment targets in the correct patients, we advance personalized cancer treatment that we hope will greatly improve outcomes for this group of women with breast cancer. 

These results are as exciting as the initial results we saw for trastuzumab (Herceptin) in HER2+ breast cancers, but represent a new approach for women with ER+ advanced breast cancer. This group is different from HER2+ breast cancer and affects approximately 60% of all advanced breast cancer patients compared with approximately 20 percent for HER2.”

Immuno Therapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

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