Erectile dysfunction as a marker for vascular disease

Kevin L. Billups

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

A body of evidence from basic science and clinical research is emerging to provide a compelling argument for endothelial dysfunction as a central etiologic factor in the development of atherosclerosis and systemic vascular diseases (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, stroke, or claudication). Erectile dysfunction (ED) is another prevalent vascular disorder that, like cardiovascular disease, is now thought to be caused by endothelial dysfunction. In fact, a burgeoning literature is now available that suggests that ED may be an early marker for atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk, and subclinical systemic vascular disease. The emerging awareness of ED as a barometer for vascular health and occult cardiovascular disease represents a unique opportunity for primary prevention of vascular disease in all men. Although the implications of this relationship for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease are not fully appreciated, the available literature makes a strong argument for the role of ED as an early marker for the development of significant cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)439-444
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent urology reports
Volume6
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Endothelial Cell Activation
  • Endothelial Dysfunction
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Penile Erection
  • Vascular Risk Factor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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