Private MD News

Depression increases cardiovascular risk in men with ED

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who are experiencing depressive symptoms are at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular problems, according to a new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. These individuals may benefit from cholesterol testing to determine their personal risk.

Researchers from the University of Florence examined approximately 2,000 men who were seeking treatment for ED. They tested them for signs of depression as well as cardiovascular disease.

The results showed that depression increased the risk for heart disease in these men. The condition increased the risk independent of other possibly confounding factors.

"What is important about this study is the broader concept of the sexual medicine problem no longer being just about a man's performance in the bedroom, but about his psychological mood and his cardiovascular health," states Irwin Goldstein, editor-in-chief of the journal.

Goldstein added that many women overlook their partner's ED and the other factors to which it may contribute. However, he urged these women to suggest that the man in their life see a doctor about the problem.