ED Linked to Type and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Ivanhoe Newswire
Thursday, July 20, 2006; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new study reveals the rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) varies according to the type and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Italian researchers studied 285 coronary artery disease patients. They found erectile dysfunction is low among men with acute coronary syndrome -- mainly acute myocardial infarction affecting one blood vessel -- but high in men with chronic coronary syndrome -- mainly effort-induced angina involving many narrowed arteries due to atherosclerosis.

Results also reveal among chronic coronary syndrome patients with both ED and coronary artery disease, 93 percent reported ED symptoms between one and two years before they had angina.

Because of the findings, researchers are calling for long-term monitoring of ED patients who have multiple risk factors but don't have clinical signs of coronary artery disease.

In an accompanying editorial, Graham Jackson, M.D., a consultant cardiologist in London, reinforces the author's warning.

"All men with ED and no cardiac symptoms need a detailed cardiac assessment, blood pressure measurement, fasting lipid profile and glucose, as well as lifestyle advice regarding weight and exercise," reports Dr. Jackson. "Those at cardiovascular risk ideally need stress testing and referral for risk reduction therapy and advice with appropriate follow-up."

Dr. Jackson says an average lead time of two to three years between ED and silent coronary artery disease becoming symptomatic is potentially enough time to prevent cardiac events from occurring. He stresses family doctors and urologists have an important role since they first see ED patients. Jackson notes a public awareness campaign is needed to encourage men and their partners to get help early.

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SOURCE: European Heart Journal, published online July 19, 2006